LEADER OF THE HOUSE

House Rising Times

Ben Chapman: To ask the Leader of the House at what time the House has risen on each day from Monday to Thursday since 7 January.

Peter Hain: This information is obtainable from the Votes and Proceedings and from the Official Report. It could be collated only at disproportionate cost.
	I stressed to the House in my business statement on 3 July that I have already made it clear that I regard the decision of the House in respect of hours as one for the rest of the Parliament. I do not intend to make it a practice to go beyond the moment of interruption. My hon. Friend will be aware that the events in Iraq have had a considerable impact on the business of the House and it is for that reason that business may continue beyond the normal moment of interruption, allowing the House every opportunity fully to scrutinise and contribute to the business coming forward up to and including 17 July.

MINISTER FOR WOMEN

Domestic Violence

John Bercow: To ask the Minister for Women which groups will be consulted by the Government in drawing up its legislative proposals to tackle domestic violence.

Patricia Hewitt: Following publication of the consultation paper "Safety and Justice" on 18 June, there will be a 12 week public consultation exercise, during which responses will be sought from numerous groups including the Women's National Commission who have organised several meetings across the UK with survivors of domestic violence. In addition, specialist groups are being consulted such as Imkaan, Southall Black sisters, Broken Rainbow, The Employers' Forum on Disability, Disability Rights Commission, the Employers' Forum on Age, Mencap, and Age Concern.

Iraq

John Bercow: To ask the Minister for Women what recent assessment she has made of women's rights in Iraq.

David Amess: To ask the Minister for Women what recent assessment she has made of women's rights in Iraq.

Patricia Hewitt: During this critical phase in the reconstruction of Iraq, I am extremely concerned that women's rights are given adequate attention.
	Indeed, the Coalition Provisional Authority's gender equality team—which includes a secondee from the DTI Women and Equality Unit—is currently assessing women's rights in Iraq within the framework for a women's conference that will take place in Baghdad shortly. Officials are holding discussions with in-country Iraqi women, who are legal experts, on constitutional and legal reform aiming to assess and improve women's rights. These discussions will feed into two of the workshops of the women's conference, mirroring the emergent political process and feeding recommendations into the system.

Work-Life Balance

John Bercow: To ask the Minister for Women what measures she plans to introduce to achieve a better work-life balance for women.

Patricia Hewitt: We are committed to giving women—and men—the chance to improve their work-life balance. We have already increased maternity pay and leave, introduced paid paternity leave, extended these rights to adoptive parents, and introduced the legal right of parents of children under six and disabled children under 18 to get requests to work flexibly considered seriously.
	We will continue to promote best practice in flexible working through the work-life balance campaign. The campaign aims to persuade companies that they could see real business benefits through flexible working; for example, in a recent major work-life balance baseline survey by DTI, four fifths of employers who have work-life balance practices in place report a positive effect on employment relations, and three quarters said they had a more motivated and committed workforce as a result of these practices.
	We are also providing practical support through the work life balance challenge fund, which offers subsidised consultancy to develop flexible working projects. The current call for applications ends on 31 July 2003, and we are looking to support up to 200 projects this year.
	These measures, mean that women and men now have more choice and more support than ever before to balance childcare and work in ways that benefit everyone: employers, employees and their children.

PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMISSION

National Audit Office

Edward Leigh: To ask the Chairman of the Public Accounts Commission whether the Commission has considered the Corporate Plans for 2004–05 to 2006–07 of the National Audit Office and the Northern Ireland Audit Office.

Alan Williams: At its meeting on 7 July the Commission approved the NAO's Corporate Plan for 2004–05 to 2006–07. In line with previous arrangements when devolved government in Northern Ireland is suspended, the Commission also considered the Corporate Plan for 2004–05 to 2006–07 of the Northern Ireland Audit Office. The Commission agreed to take note of this.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

Alstom

Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate she has made of the impact of Alstom's decision to terminate train manufacturing at its Birmingham Washwood Heath Plant on jobs in (a) the supply chain and (b) the West Midlands region.

Jacqui Smith: My Officials within the Government Office for the West Midlands are in discussion with officers from Birmingham City Council's Economic Development Department, the Regional Development Agency, Jobcentre Plus and Alstom's senior managers over the future of the Washwood Heath plant. Alstom's plans for the site are not yet clear but officials will continue to work closely with the company to support both Alstom and their supply chain as appropriate.

BAE Systems

Matthew Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when the Export Credits Guarantee Department first received allegations of corrupt practice by BAE Systems regarding the supply of a defence equipment package to Qatar signed in 1996.

Mike O'Brien: ECGD did not receive allegations of corruption by BAE Systems in respect of the Qatari defence package signed in 1996. In May 2001, ECGD was made aware by the Serious Fraud Office of an investigation being carried out in relation to this project by the Attorney General of Jersey.

Broadband

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent assessment she has made of the benefits of broadband access for small and medium-sized businesses.

Stephen Timms: The Government believe that the key benefits of broadband for small and medium-sized businesses, as for all businesses, are speed and convenience. A broadband connection can carry 10 times more information than a narrow-band (dial-up) connection. Broadband services can change the way businesses operate, enabling new markets to be reached with potentially beneficial effects on productivity and competitiveness. Broadband allows businesses to respond faster to their customers' needs; supports greater flexibility in working practices; and with its fixed cost, allows businesses to budget more effectively.
	Through UK Online for Business, we continue to look at the benefits provided by broadband connection when promoting the use of this important technology. Evidence of benefits has come mainly in the form of case studies, where individual experiences in the use of broadband are examined. These case studies have shown that small and medium-sized businesses achieve real benefits through faster transmission, constant connection and increased productivity. Installation and connection costs have been seen to be outweighed by the benefits achieved.

Departmental Crèche Facilities

Paul Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the crèche facilities she makes available to the children of her Department's staff.

Patricia Hewitt: The information is as follows:
	Nursery Places
	DTI staff in Central London have access to six nursery places. The weekly cost to the Department for a full-time place for an under 2-year-old is £209.50 and £178.00 for 2-years-old and over. Staff contribution is levied at a flat rate of £112 per week for a full-time place irrespective of the age of the child. Children attending nursery on a part-time basis are charged pro rata. There are currently eight children using the six places.
	Holiday Playscheme
	DTI staff in Central London have access to a 32 place holiday play-scheme for a minimum of 54 days each year. Staff contribute £14.00 per place towards the £31.00 daily fee. DTI HQ staff in Cardiff have access to a local Easter and Summer holiday playscheme for a contribution of £12.00 per place towards the £24.00 daily fee.
	DTI's total expenditure on all child care costs for 2002–03 financial year was £58,525.
	DTI's child care provision is set within the wider context of an ambitious programme to support flexible working at all grades. In a DTI child care survey parents and carers indicated that flexible working is the provision they value most highly, to help them balance their work and home-life. DTI is also participating in the Interdepartmental Group on Childcare.

Departmental Policies (Pendle)

Gordon Prentice: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what policies (a) initiated and (b) managed by her Department since 2001 have had an impact on Pendle; and if she will make a statement.

Jacqui Smith: North West Development Agency's Pendle Economic Regeneration Programme is providing £6.4 million over four years from 2002 to promote the economic infrastructure and boost business competitiveness in the area. This is in addition to ongoing policy initiatives that were in place before 2001, including Business Link East Lancashire, which provides support to new and developing businesses in the area, and the Enterprise Grant Scheme (EGS) and SMART awards. Since January 2001, there have been 17 EGS and two SMART awards in the Pendle area, providing a total of £636,500 of investment support to small and medium-sized enterprises.

Electricity Generation

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the (a) cost and (b) level of provision of electricity generated by (i) coal-fired power stations and (ii) environmentally friendly sources.

Stephen Timms: Electricity generation from coal in the United Kingdom in 2002 amounted to 124.4 TWh, equivalent to 32 per cent. of total UK generation. Electricity generation from renewables and wastes amounted to 11.4 TWh, equivalent to 3 per cent. of total UK generation. Most recent estimates of generation costs from different types of plant are contained in a report, "Long-Term Reductions in Greenhouse Gas Emissions in the UK" by an Inter-departmental Analysts Group (IAG) which was published in February 2002. A copy of the IAG report is in the Libraries of the House.

Electricity Generation

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what efforts are being made to encourage the use of electricity generated by environmentally friendly plants.

Stephen Timms: The Government have put in place a range of measures to promote and encourage the use of energy from environmentally friendly plants using renewable forms of energy.
	Chapter four of the Energy White Paper "Our energy future—creating a low carbon economy" sets out the Government's policy on the increasing role renewable technologies will play in our overall energy policy, and highlights many of the successes that have already been achieved.
	We have put in place a framework of measures to encourage the renewables generation and supply industry: our target is that 10 per cent. of the UK's electricity sales should be from renewable-sourced electricity by 2010. To help achieve the necessary growth to reach that target, we have introduced a range of important measures:
	The Renewables Obligation (and associated Renewables Obligation Scotland). Introduced in April 2001, these require all licensed electricity suppliers in Great Britain to supply a specified and growing proportion of their sales from renewable sources.
	The Obligation is underpinned by a package of funding worth nearly £350 million, which will support our ongoing New and Renewable R and D programme, and extensive programmes of capital grants for new and emerging technologies such as energy crops and other forms of bio-energy, offshore wind, solar photovoltaics, wave and tidal power.
	In order to develop our offshore wind potential, last year we published a consultation entitled "Future Offshore", which sets out a strategic framework to support the development of that industry. That document proposed that future development should take place in three strategically significant areas—namely the north-west (including Liverpool Bay), the Greater Wash and the Thames Estuary.
	The Renewables UK unit was set up last year with the specific aim of maximizing the benefits of renewables to UK industry, and to help that industry develop.
	Industrial users of renewable sourced electricity also benefit from exemption from Climate Change Levy payments. A proportion of the proceeds from the Climate Change Levy contributes to the New 2 Renewable R and D programme.

LG Electronics Group

Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations her Department has had from the British embassy in Seoul regarding due diligence procedures in the decision to give public aid to LG electronics group; and if she will make a statement.

Jacqui Smith: I am not accountable for events under the previous Administration.

Performance Targets

Gregory Barker: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will list the performance targets that (a) her Department, (b) its agencies and (c) non-departmental public bodies are required to meet; and if she will specify for each target (i) who sets it and (ii) who monitors achievement against it.

Patricia Hewitt: Key performance targets for the Department of Trade and Industry are agreed as part of the Spending Review. The latest set were published in "Spending Review 2002: Public Service Agreements 2003–06" (Cm 5571). Progress towards these targets is monitored by the Department together with HM Treasury and the Prime Minister's Delivery Unit and is reported on regularly in DTI's annual Departmental Report (Cm 5916) and Autumn Performance Report (Cm 5731).
	The Departmental Report also sets out and reports on the key targets for DTI's seven Executive Agencies (Companies House, Patent Office, Insolvency Service, Employment Tribunal Service, National Weight and Measures Laboratory, Radiocommunications Agency and Small Business Service). These are agreed and set by the responsible Ministers each year in the context of discussion and agreement to the agency's corporate plan. Performance against the agencies' targets is monitored by their steering boards, which include independent members and Departmental representatives, and reported annually to Ministers.
	Information on the targets for DTI's Executive non-departmental public bodies is set out as follows for each body.
	
		
			 Body Available information 
		
		
			 British Hallmarking Council Hallmarking Act 1973 
			   
			 Coal Authority Corporate Plan available on website (www.coal.gov.uk) 
			   
			 Competition Commission Indicators and targets to be developed to reflect new functions introduced by the Enterprise Act 
			   
			 Consumer Council for Postal Services (Postwatch) Annual Report and Forward Work Programme available on website (www.postwatch.co.uk) 
			   
			 Design Council Four targets in unpublished corporate plan: 
			  To demonstrate through innovative, practical projects the value of effective design 
			  To provide world-leading knowledge on effective design 
			  To communicate the value of effective design to decision makers within business and the public sector 
			  To pursue excellence in our people, processes and premises 
			   
			 Equal Opportunities Commission Corporate Plan available on website (www.eoc.org.uk) 
			   
			 Gas and Electricity Consumer Council (Energywatch) Forward Work Programme available on website (www.energywatch.org.uk) 
			   
			 Hearing Aid Council Reclassified as an executive NDPB on 1 April 2003. Targets are under discussion and will be published on HAC's website (www.thehearingaidcouncil.org.uk) once agreed 
			   
			 National Consumer Council Targets published in annual report 
			   
			 Regional Development Agencies Targets published on website (www.dti.gov.uk/rda/info) 
			   
			 Research Councils Targets contained in Councils' Operating Plans, which will be placed on their websites once finalised in late summer 
			   
			 Simpler Trade Procedures Board (SITPRO) Performance targets not set 
			   
			 UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) Corporate Plan available on website (www.ukaea.org.uk) 
		
	
	The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) is statutorily independent. Its targets, which are not set by Ministers, are available on www.acas.org.uk.

Power Stations

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many, and what percentage of, power stations are fitted with flue gas desulphurisation equipment.

Stephen Timms: holding answer 4 July 2003
	DUKES 2003 (to be published on 31 July 2003) lists 14 coal fired power stations with a total capacity of 23,214 MW; this excludes capacity which is mothballed or in receivership. In addition there exists dual fired plant (coal/gas or coal/oil) with a combined capacity 5,405 MW. The total UK coal fired plant including such dual fired installations hence comprises a total capacity of 28,619 MW; (28.6 GW).
	Three stations are currently fitted with flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) equipment: Drax, and Ratcliffe (combined total 5,870 MW) and West Burton. West Burton is not yet fully operational but this is anticipated by early 2004 producing then a total FGD capacity of 7,802 MW; (7.8 GW).
	Based on the full inclusion of West Burton, the percentage of UK coal fired plant capacity fitted with FGD is approximately 27 per cent. However the Environment Agency has also received applications for the installation of FGD at Cottam (2 GW), Eggborough (1 GW) and Rugeley (1 GW). Some additional installation activity is either under way or planned at these sites. Further stations are examining the feasibility of fitting FGD equipment.

Private Office Costs

Howard Flight: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the running costs have been of Ministers' private offices in her Department in each year since 1997.

Patricia Hewitt: The running costs of Ministers' private offices in each year since 1997 is as follows:
	
		
			  £ million 
		
		
			 1997–98 3.8 
			 1998–99 4.2 
			 1999–2000 3.4 
			 2000–01 3.6 
			 2001–02 4.08 
		
	
	Complete data not yet available for 2002–03.

Regional Assistance Schemes

Ashok Kumar: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans she has to assess the effectiveness of regional assistance schemes such as Regional Selective Assistance and Enterprise Grants; and if she will make a statement.

Jacqui Smith: The Department routinely commissions a programme of independent evaluations of the impact of its business support programmes, including Regional Selective Assistance and the Enterprise Grant Scheme. The Enterprise Grant Scheme was created in 2000 and has not therefore existed long enough to result in meaningful independent evaluation. Recently funded Regional Selective Assistance projects were evaluated in 2000, and the results of the evaluation are available on www.dti.gov.uk/support/rsajf2512001.htm.
	Regional Selective Assistance and the Enterprise Grant Scheme are being considered in the context of the Department's reassessment of the business support it provides. In future the effectiveness of these and all business support programmes will be monitored on an ongoing basis using a balanced scorecard approach.

Regional Science Councils

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the work of the North West Science Council; and what steps she is taking to ensure that the research taking place within the region's universities contributes to the Regional Development Agency's economic strategy.

Jacqui Smith: The North West Science Council brings together business, academic and science partners to promote the north-west as a world-class region for science, attracting investment and talent and driving innovation. Its members have the expertise, authority and respect needed to implement the North West Science Strategy, a central feature of which is the need to maximise the exploitation of the knowledge base of the region. The North West Development Agency is represented on the council, and works closely with it and with the region's HEIs to deliver the Regional Economic Strategy.

Service Industry Audit Threshold

Mark Oaten: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans she has to raise the audit threshold for services from £1 million turnover.

Jacqui Smith: holding answer 3 July 2003
	The Government will shortly be publishing a consultation document on proposals to increase the threshold for mandatory company audit from its current level of £1 million turnover.

Structural Funding

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the five key targets for the first Merseyside Objective 1 Programme from 1994 to 1999 were.

Jacqui Smith: The five key targets for the 1994–99 objective programme were to:
	1. Job creation—to create 25,000 jobs in Merseyside.
	2. Business assistance—to assist 113,260 businesses in Merseyside.
	3. Commercial/industrial floor space built or improved—to see 635,100 square meters of floor space built or improved.
	4. People accessing further education or training—wanted to open up further education or training to 72,700 people.
	5. People accessing jobs through training schemes—wanted to see 44,800 people access jobs through training.

Structural Funding

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many jobs were created by the first Merseyside Objective 1 Programme between 1994 and 1999.

Jacqui Smith: The number of jobs created under the 1994–99 Objective 1 Programme was 34,474 against a target 25,000.

Structural Funding

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry in how many cases business assistance was provided by the first Merseyside Objective 1 Programme between 1994 and 1999.

Jacqui Smith: The number of businesses assisted under 1994–99 Objective 1 Programme was 179,173 against a target of 113,260.

Structural Funding

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many people accessed further education or training during the currency of the first Merseyside Objective 1 Programme.

Jacqui Smith: During the currency of the 1994–99 Objective 1 Programme, 70,353 people accessed further education or training against a target of 72,700.

Supersonic Aviation

Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what her policy is on supersonic aviation.

Jacqui Smith: Airlines will determine what level of demand there may be for supersonic travel. British Airways has taken the view that their existing fleet of Concorde need to be retired after almost 30 years of service. For the longer term, if sufficient demand is forecast for supersonic travel, I am sure airlines will work closely with aircraft manufacturers to understand the particular environmental, technical and cost challenges of developing and operating a new generation of supersonic passenger aircraft.

EDUCATION AND SKILLS

Child Care

Cheryl Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills whether he will make the initiative announced on 11 June on improving access to affordable and quality child care available to parents in Chesham and Amersham; and if he will make a statement.

Margaret Hodge: We announced a number of initiatives on 17 June all of which will benefit parents in the Chesham and Amersham Constituency.
	Funding for the "Childminder buddying scheme" will be available from April 2004.
	Childcare Partnership Managers are now available in each Jobcentre Plus District.
	Quality First is available for childminders who wish to develop their child care capabilities.
	Care to Learn is available for all teenage parents who wish to take part in publicly funded education or training.
	The Foundation Stage Information Packs will be available from EYDCPs after 18 July.
	New Sure Start Guide to Choosing Childcare is available from Daycare Trust on 0207 840 3350.

Deficit Budgets

Shona McIsaac: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will list the schools in (a) North Lincolnshire and (b) North East Lincolnshire which are running a deficit budget; and how much each deficit is.

David Miliband: The latest outturn statement published by North Lincolnshire local education authority shows that seven schools ended the financial year 2001–02 with a deficit balance. These were:
	
		
			  £ 
		
		
			  
			  
			 Priory Lane Infant School 621 
			 St. Bernadette's Catholic Primary School 9,457 
			 St. Mary's Catholic Primary School 9,124 
			 Brumby School 18,756 
			 Frederick Gough School 54,910 
			 Huntcliff School 7,787 
			 Baysgarth School 3,571 
		
	
	The latest outturn statement published by North East Lincolnshire local education authority shows that four schools ended the financial year 2001–02 with a deficit balance. These were:
	
		
			  £ 
		
		
			  
			  
			 St. Joseph's RC Primary 6,005 
			 Welholme Infants' School 35,105 
			 Healing Comprehensive School 5,841 
			 Lindsey School and Community Arts College 81,554 
		
	
	Figures for the year ending 31 March 2003 are due to be published by LEAs by 9 October 2003.

Further and Higher Education

Patrick McLoughlin: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many people resident in (a) West Derbyshire and (b) Derbyshire are (i) further and (ii) higher education students.

Alan Johnson: The question asks about West Derbyshire and Derbyshire. Further Education figures are available for the parliamentary constituency of West Derbyshire and for the two local education authorities (LEAs), City of Derby and Derbyshire, in the county of Derbyshire. Higher education figures are only available by LEA and not by parliamentary constituency.
	In 2000–01, 5,000 people living in the West Derbyshire constituency and 73,000 people living in Derbyshire attended courses at Further Education (FE) sector colleges. In 2001–02, 24,000 people resident in Derbyshire were Higher Education Students.

Further and Higher Education

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will make a statement on the funding arrangements for higher education.

Alan Johnson: The funding arrangements for higher education in England were set out in the White Paper, "The future of higher education" (Cm 5735) and in the grant letter to the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE), both of which were published on 22 January 2003.

Millennium Volunteer Projects

Bob Blizzard: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how much funding for Millennium Volunteer projects was allocated to (a) each region and (b) each shire county in (i) 2001–02, (ii) 2002–03 and (iii) 2003–04; and how much funding he proposes to allocate to each region in 2004–05.

Ivan Lewis: The amount of funding allocated for Millennium Volunteers projects in each region in 2001–02, 2002–03 and 2003–04 is provided in the table. Details of funding for each shire county is not collected as many projects operate across boundaries.
	
		£
		
			 Region 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 
		
		
			 East Midlands 1,027,174 1,059,268 1,111,052 
			 East of England 1,474,717 1,452,331 1,325,198 
			 London 2,062,717 1,933,514 1,696,119 
			 North East 1,072,368 932,442 960,734 
			 North West 1,834,084 1,967,701 2,019,687 
			 South East 1,468,231 1,933,827 1,952,871 
			 South West 1,628,993 1,675,570 1,810,513 
			 West Midlands 1,598,413 1,577,314 1,664,627 
			 Yorks and Humberside 1,315,365 1,711,213 1,758,946 
			 Total 13,482,062 14,243,180 14,299,747 
		
	
	The funding which is to be allocated to each region in 2004–05 will not be finalised until September to allow local discussions on budget allocations and final agreement of the funding formula. When this has been agreed I will arrange for the information to be provided in the House of Commons Library.

Modern Languages Courses

Nick Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what estimate he has made of the number of entrants aged under 21 years to modern languages courses at higher education institutions in each year from 2003 to 2008.

Alan Johnson: The information is not held centrally. The latest edition of the Department's Annual Report contains projected student numbers for the years up to 2004/05, but these are not disaggregated by subject.

Research (Universities)

Colin Challen: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what action the Government is taking to improve (a) the quality of research and (b) access to high quality research in universities in Yorkshire and Humberside.

Alan Johnson: The Government are committed to supporting and encouraging the highest quality research to ensure that we maintain our international standing and competitiveness. A year ago we announced the most generous research settlement for many years, with total expenditure on science and research set to increase by 30 per cent. by 2005–06 compared with 2002–03.
	Yorkshire and Humberside will receive quality-related research funding from the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) of £102.3 million in 2003/04 to support university research in the region. This represents an increase of over 12 per cent. on last year. The HEFCE formula for distributing the funding ensures it is targeted at the highest quality work. Our White Paper proposals encourage higher education institutions to engage increasingly in collaborative work giving them greater flexibility to determine the focus of their research. In Yorkshire and Humberside, Leeds, York and Sheffield universities are already working successfully together through the White Rose consortium.

Schools (Military Families)

Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills pursuant to his visit to King's Ford Junior School, Colchester, on 9 June, when he will report on the funding requirements for schools with large numbers of children from military families; and if he will make a statement.

David Miliband: We recognise that turbulence in pupil numbers can have an impact on school budgets and pupil attainment. A local military presence is one cause, influxes of asylum seekers is another. Local authorities are able to include factors in their funding formulae to provide additional funding to take account of high turnover of pupils during the year. Essex local education authority has such a factor.

Standards Fund

Shona McIsaac: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how much was made available to (a) North East Lincolnshire and (b) North Lincolnshire education authority via the standards fund in each year since 1997.

David Miliband: The following table shows the Standards Fund grant for North East Lincolnshire and North Lincolnshire since 1997. The figures include Government grant only, they do not include local authority contributions to the Standards Fund.
	
		Standards Fund Grant Allocated to North East Lincolnshire -- £ million
		
			  Recurrent Grant Capital Grant Total Standards Fund Grant Education Standards Spending Assessment 
		
		
			 1997–98 0.6 0.0 0.6 64.4 
			 1998–99 0.9 0.9 1.8 70.1 
			 1999–2000 2.2 0.4 2.6 73.0 
			 2000–01 4.6 2.9 7.5 77.3 
			 2001–02 5.4 4.9 10.3 79.8 
			 2002–03 5.9 6.8 12.7 81.4 
			 2003–04 5.4 5.0 10.4 (1)88.6 
		
	
	(1) Education Formula Funding Share (EFSS). This includes the transfer of class size grant and Nursery Education grant. The equivalent figure on the same basis for 2002–2003 would be £85.1 million.
	The recurrent grant figure for 2002–2003 includes class size grant of £0.61 million. The funding for class size grant is distributed via the Education Formula Spending Shares (EFSS) in 2003–04. On a like for like basis North East Lincolnshire has received an increase in EFSS per pupil of 3.9 per cent.
	
		Standards Fund Grant Allocated to North Lincolnshire -- £ million
		
			  Recurrent Grant Capital Grant Total Standards Fund Grant Education Standards Spending Assessment 
		
		
			 1997–98 0.7 0.0 0.7 56.5 
			 1998–99 1.6 0.6 2.2 61.9 
			 1999–2000 2.9 0.4 3.3 65.0 
			 2000–01 4.7 2.3 7.0 67.8 
			 2001–02 5.0 6.2 11.2 69.9 
			 2002–03 5.1 5.2 10.3 72.3 
			 2003–04 5.0 3.8 8.9 (2)80.4 
		
	
	(2) Education Formula Funding Share (EFSS). This includes the transfer of Class Size grant and Nursery Education Grant. The equivalent figure on the same basis for 2002–2003 would be £76.2 million.
	The recurrent grant figure for 2002–03 includes class size grant of £0.84 million. The funding for class size grant is distributed via the Education Formula Spending Shares (EFSS) in 2003–04. On a like for like basis North Lincolnshire has received an increase in EFSS per pupil of 4.7 per cent.

Student Numbers (Somerset)

Adrian Flook: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many people resident in (a) Taunton constituency and (b) Somerset are (i) further and (ii) higher education students.

Alan Johnson: The question asks for Taunton constituency and for Somerset. A breakdown by parliamentary constituency is not available for higher education students. Figures are available for Somerset local education authority (LEA).
	In 2000/01, 10,000 people living in the Taunton constituency and 40,000 people living in Somerset LEA attended courses at Further Education (FE) sector colleges.
	In 2001/02,12,000 people resident in Somerset LEA were Higher Education students.

Teachers (Chesham and Amersham)

Cheryl Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many teachers are working in schools in Chesham and Amersham; how many have qualified teacher status; what the status is of the remainder; and what their distribution is by (a) primary and (b) secondary sectors.

David Miliband: Teacher information is not available at constituency level. The most recent teacher data available for Buckinghamshire LEA is for January 2002, which show that the number of full-time equivalent (FTE) regular teachers in the maintained schools sector was 4,030, of which 3,860 had qualified teacher status (QTS). The FTE number of instructors and teachers without QTS on contracts of a month or more was 100 and the FTE number of teachers on the Graduate Teacher Programme, Registered Teacher Programmer or the Overseas Trained Teacher Programme was 70.
	There were 1,850 teachers in maintained nursery and primary schools, 1,990 in maintained secondary schools and 190 in maintained special schools and pupil referral units.

Teachers' Pay

Rob Marris: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills by what percentage the pay of the average full-time state sector (a) infant school, (b) junior school, (c) secondary school, (d) further education and (e) higher education teacher has changed in real terms since 1997.

David Miliband: The mean salary 1 of full-time qualified nursery and primary school teachers 2 in England and Wales (it is not possible to distinguish between infant and junior) rose by 6.9 per cent. in real terms between March 1997 and March 2001 3 . The mean salary of full-time 1 qualified secondary school teachers in England and Wales rose by 7.3 per cent. in real terms between March 1997 and March 2001 3 .
	The mean salary 4 of full-time lecturers in further education colleges in England and Wales rose by 1.1 per cent. in real terms between March 1997 and March 2001 3 .
	The median salary of full-time lecturers in the higher education sector in the United Kingdom 5 rose by 5.9 per cent. in real terms between July 1997 and July 2001.
	1 Figures cover all grades and include any allowances paid. The mean salary figures include some threshold payments that were made before March 2001, following the introduction of the threshold in September 2000. Some threshold assessments were not made in time for the associated payments to be reflected in the March 2001 data, but these were ultimately backdated to September 2000. As a result there will be an under estimate of the actual mean salary in March 2001.
	2 Differences in pay between primary and secondary teachers results from the fact that primary schools are on average smaller, and the heads' pay range is based on pupil numbers; this also constrains the pay of other members of the leadership group.
	3 Figures for the above calculations are from the Database of Teacher Records (DTR). March 2001 is the most recent data available. Average salaries for March 2002 will be published in December in "Statistics of Education: School Workforce in England, 2003 edition".
	4 Figures may not fully reflect the salaries of those not in the Teachers' Pension Scheme.
	5 The figures cover full-time higher education lecturers in all higher education institutions in the UK.
	Source:
	Higher Education Statistics Agency Staff Record.

Truancy

Damian Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how much has been spent on centrally funded projects and initiatives to reduce truancy in schools by his Department since 1997.

Ivan Lewis: The Department has directly funded publicity materials aimed at parents, a number of practitioner conferences and the commissioning of research into truancy. Spending in these areas totals approximately £700,000. In addition it has supported a wide range of work at local level by local education authorities and schools to improve both behaviour and attendance through the Standards Fund. Local education authorities have made decisions about local priorities, and much of the funding has been delegated to schools.
	Since September 2002, the Department has also allocated £50 million of Behaviour Improvement Programme funding to 34 local education authorities to support work with targeted groups of schools in improving pupils' behaviour. One strand of this programme is focused on improving attendance. From April 2003, under the national Behaviour and Attendance strategy, initial payments totalling around £14 million have been made to all local education authorities in support of the strategy objective of providing training and support to every secondary school in England.
	Because the aim of all these measures is to both improve behaviour and increase attendance—and action in respect of one will often have an impact on the other—it is not possible to identify separately the level of expenditure allocated to tackling truancy.

TRANSPORT

Emergency Vehicles

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many emergency service vehicles were involved in road traffic accidents in the UK during the last 12 months for which figures are available; and how many of these accidents occurred while vehicles were responding to emergency calls.

David Jamieson: Information from the Department's database of personal injury road accidents in Great Britain shows that 344 ambulances and 88 fire engines were involved in road traffic accidents involving personal injury during 2001. It is not possible to distinguish those that were responding to an emergency call at the time of the accident. Corresponding information for police vehicles is not available from this database.
	On a different basis, information on the total number of accidents involving police vehicles and fire appliances is available from the Home Office (for police vehicles), and the Scottish Fire Service Inspectorate and ODPM's Fire, Health and Safety Directorate respectively. Figures for the financial year 2001–02 are given in the following table. The figures relate to all accidents, whether or not personal injury was involved. The corresponding number of vehicles involved is not known. Comparable information for accidents involving ambulances is not available.
	
		Accidents(3) involving emergency service vehicles: GB, 2001–02
		
			  Number 
		
		
			 Accidents involving police vehicles 18,010 
			 Accidents involving police vehicles responding to an emergency call 5,173 
			 Accidents involving fire appliances(4) 3,389 
			 Accidents involving fire appliances responding to an emergency call 1,696 
		
	
	(3) Figures relate to all accidents, not just those involving personal injury
	(4) Data not available for the Isle of Wight, Merseyside and Warwickshire

Housing Development

Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to the statement on 25 February 2003 by the former Minister for Transport to the Select Committee on Office of the Deputy Prime Minister: Housing, Planning, Local Government and the Regions, when he will make a statement on transport provision in the new housing growth areas.

Tony McNulty: We are already committed to funding a considerable number of the priority schemes in the growth areas. More schemes are likely to be taken forward as a consequence of further announcements on transport studies which we are currently considering.

Motorway Accidents

John Barrett: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many accidents took place on UK motorways during the hours of darkness in each year since 1997.

David Jamieson: The information requested is shown in the table.
	
		Accidents on UK Motorways during the hours of darkness
		
			  Number 
		
		
			 1997 2,476 
			 1998 2,483 
			 1999 2,608 
			 2000 2,820 
			 2001 2,704 
			 2002 2,705

Railways

Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to his answer of 19 June 2003, Official Report, column 336W, to the hon. Member for Sutton and Cheam (Mr. Burstow), how many times each rail franchise holder has asked to exceed the prescribed maximum journey times; how many times these requests have been (a) approved and (b) denied; and if he will list the approvals granted.

Kim Howells: The SRA may allow train operators to exceed the prescribed journey time in the Passenger Service Requirement (PSR) as part of the effective management of the network and for a variety of operational reasons including capacity constraints, maintenance and renewals work on the network, and amendments to service patterns to provide improved services. The answer given to the hon. Member for Sutton and Cheam on 19 June 2003, Official Report, column 336W, sets out the derogations for the current timetable on Thameslink. Information for previous timetables could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. Details for the current timetable of approved journey time derogations relating to all TOCs will be placed in the Library of the House as soon as practicable.

DEFENCE

Aircraft Sales

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list aircraft sold to civilian (a) individuals and (b) companies by the Department in each of the last five years; and who the purchaser was in each case.

Adam Ingram: holding answer 8 July 2003
	All aircraft sold over the last five years by type of aircraft, the year in which the sale took place and the numbers are set out in the table. The table includes aircraft sold for scrap metal recovery. Our records do not differentiate between individuals and companies.
	Details of purchasers of surplus equipment are a matter of commercial and customer confidentiality and I am therefore withholding details under Exemptions 12 and 13 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.
	
		
			   Year of sale 
			 Aircraft Type 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 
		
		
			 Jet Provost — — 1 — — 1 
			 Jetstream — 2 — — — — 
			 Meteor 1 — — — — — 
			 Schleicher Valiant Glider — — 4 — — — 
			 Varsity 1 — — — — — 
			 Victor 2 — — — — — 
			 Andover 1 — — — — — 
			 BAC 1–11 — — 1 — — — 
			 BAE 146 — — — — — — 
			 Bucaneer — — 3 1 — — 
			 Bulldog — 6 28 73 — — 
			 Chipmunk — — 3 — — — 
			 Canberra 1 — — — 3 2 
			 Chieftan 1 — — — — — 
			 Devon 1 — — — — — 
			 Gnat — — 1 — — — 
			 HS 125 2 — — — — 1 
			 Harrier 2 6 — 2 11 2 
			 Hunter 2 2 7 — 1 — 
			 Jaguar 2 — — 3 2 — 
			 Schempp-Hirth Janus-C — — 1 — — — 
			 Javelin 1 — — — — — 
			 Gazelle 4 2 8 20 4 3 
			 Lynx Helicopters — — — — 3 — 
			 Sioux Helicopters — 1 — — — — 
			 Wessex 14 2 4 3 6 — 
			 Whirlwind 1 1 2 — — — 
			 VC10 — — 1 — — — 
			 Lightning 1 — — — — — 
			 Shackleton 1 — — — — — 
			 Tornado — 1 2 7 15 4 
			 Puma — — — — — 1 
			 Hercules — — — 2 — — 
			 Sea King — — — — 1 — 
			 Viking Glider — — — — 1 — 
			 Phantom 4 — 6 10 — —

Armed Forces Pensions

Phil Sawford: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when contributory pensions were introduced for members of the armed forces; what criteria have to be met to qualify for a pension; and what changes have been introduced in these criteria since 1970.

Ivor Caplin: Members of the Armed Forces Pension Scheme (AFPS) pay no direct contribution towards their pension entitlement, although the independent Armed Forces Pay Review Body abates comparator pay, currently by 7 per cent. to take account of the value of the pension relative to those of selected comparator schemes. An individual qualifies for a preserved pension and tax-free lump sum of three times the pension at age 60, provided they have been members of the AFPS for at least two years. Immediate pensions are paid after 16 years (officers) or 22 years (other ranks) and a full pension after 34 and 37 years respectively, at age 55.
	The only significant change to the criteria for members' pensions since 1970 has been the introduction of the preserved pension in 1975 for those leaving the Armed Forces too early to receive an immediate pension. Armed Service Pensions were awarded to those who served before 1975 but only to those who completed the necessary qualifying periods of 22 years (from age 18 for other ranks) and 16 years (from age 21 for officers). Prior to 1975 there was no requirement for pension schemes to preserve benefits for those who left the scheme early. The qualifying periods for the AFPS were much less than for most other schemes at that time and, in addition, those who left before qualifying for pensions, but who had completed nine years (for officers) or 12 years (other ranks), were paid a gratuity. The provisions were changed in 1975 to meet with the requirements of the Social Security Act 1973 but in keeping with the policy of successive Governments, the provisions were not made retrospective. A number of changes have been made to other scheme criteria, notably to the eligibility criteria for widows' pensions and recently those for unmarried partners.

Atomic Weapons Research Establishment

Alan Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the purpose is of the new tritium plant being built at the Atomic Weapons Research Establishment, Aldermaston.

Ivor Caplin: The purpose of the new Tritium Handling Facility at the Atomic Weapons Establishment is to replace a 40-year-old facility which is now being decommissioned.

Atomic Weapons Research Establishment

Alan Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how the Department plans to secure tritium supplies after production ceases at Chapelcross.

Ivor Caplin: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my hon. Friend the then Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence on 12 February 2002, Official Report, column 175W, to the hon. Member for Keighley (Mrs. Cryer).

Atomic Weapons Research Establishment

Alan Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to his answer of 11 June 2003, Official Report, column 915W, on scientific exchanges, if he will list the United States Departments and establishments that were visited by AWE personnel.

Ivor Caplin: AWE personnel on scientific exchanges to the United States in 2002 visited the following Departments or establishments:
	Los Alamos National Laboratory
	Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
	Sandia National Laboratories
	ITT Industries
	Honeywell Kansas City Plant
	BWXT Pantex Plant
	BWXT Y-12 Plant
	National Nuclear Security Administration Headquarters
	Bechtel Nevada
	NNSA Savannah River site
	Logicon RDA
	Titan Corporation
	Mitre Corporation
	Picatinny Arsenal
	US Strategic Command
	Defense Threat Reduction Agency
	LLE Rochester
	Pacific Northwest Laboratories
	Brookhaven National Laboratory
	Lockheed Martin Missiles and Space
	Bolling Air Force Base
	AFT AC Patrick Air Force Base
	MIT Lincoln Laboratory
	Naval Surface Warfare Center
	Science Applications International Corporation

Atomic Weapons Research Establishment

Alan Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether, pursuant to his answer of 11 June 2003, Official Report, column 915W, on scientific exchanges, if he will list the United States Departments and establishments from which visitors to AWE have come.

Ivor Caplin: United States visitors to AWE on scientific exchanges in 2002 were from the following State Departments or establishments:
	Los Alamos National Laboratory
	Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
	Sandia National Laboratories
	ITT Industries
	Honeywell Kansas City Plant
	BWXT Pantex Plant
	BWXT Y-12 Plant
	National Nuclear Security Administration Headquarters
	Bechtel Nevada
	Science Applications International Corporation
	Titan Corporation
	US Strategic Command
	Defense Threat Reduction Agency
	Naval Research Laboratory
	Alme Associates
	Lockheed Martin Missiles and Space
	LLE Rochester
	Naval Surface Warfare Center
	Strategic Systems Programs

Bullying

Kevin McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps have been taken by principal personnel officers in the Army to identify best practice in dealing with bullying; in what form common procedures have been established; and what the agreed definition of bullying is.

Ivor Caplin: The Army's zero tolerance policy towards bullying is reviewed regularly to ensure best practice in the light of experience and to take account of emerging legislation. The policy was re-emphasised when the new Armed Forces Code of Social Conduct was issued to all personnel in January 2000. The Armed Forces Diversity policy, issued subsequently in June 2002, strives to create an environment that is free from harassment, intimidation and unlawful discrimination. In this spirit, the Army, in common with the other two Services, has set up a confidential helpline for use by personnel who consider themselves to be the victims of bullying or harassment.
	The Army's policy on bullying is promulgated extensively through the chain of command. Commanders at all levels are briefed specifically on it and the policy features widely in service literature. In addition each unit routinely publishes orders at least every six months reminding personnel of their rights as individuals and how to raise a complaint if they feel they are being bullied. The chain of command also issues reminders on bullying policy where it considers it necessary to do so.
	There is no legal definition of bullying. However, the Army defines bullying as the abuse of physical or mental strength or a position of authority to intimidate, persecute or victimise individual(s).

Deepcut Barracks (Drugs)

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps have been taken to discourage the use of illegal drugs at Deepcut barracks since 1995.

Ivor Caplin: Drug misuse is unacceptable in the armed forces and the Services have vigorous education and training programmes aimed at deterring drug misuse. Steps taken include drugs awareness lectures and regular poster campaigns to promote awareness on the dangers and consequences of the misuse of drugs. In recognition of the growing drug problem within the society from which it recruits, the Army introduced a Compulsory Drug Testing programme in May 1995. All measures to deter the misuse of drugs have, and continue to be, applied at Deepcut as they are applied at all military units.

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Bernard Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  on what date NATO was given right of first refusal over the European Security and Defence Policy mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo;
	(2)  what discussions have taken place between (a) the UK Government and (b) the EU with the US Administration concerning the proposed ESDP deployment to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Adam Ingram: The United Kingdom Government have on-going discussions on the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo, including the ESDP deployment, with the US Administration. Under the European Security and Defence Policy the EU undertakes operations where NATO as a whole is not engaged. The EU Secretary General/High Representative, Mr Solana, briefed NATO Foreign Ministers, including US representatives, on EU discussions about the operation in the Democratic Republic of Congo on 3 June. NATO Foreign Ministers welcomed this transparency. There was no suggestion that NATO would become engaged. NATO and the EU are autonomous organisations. As such, they take decisions independently of each other, albeit in close consultation.

Electromagnetic Pulse Weapons

Colin Breed: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what research has been undertaken into the threat posed by the use of electromagnetic pulse weapons; what steps have been taken to protect against the effects of such weapons; and if he will make a statement.

Adam Ingram: Research programmes have been undertaken since the mid 1980s into the threat posed by electromagnetic energy, including high power microwave and radio frequency sources, to both military and civil electronics-rich systems. This research has produced guidelines and procedures to alleviate these effects, by using good equipment fabrication practice, shielding techniques and hardened circuit design.

Eurofighter Typhoon

Bernard Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when first deliveries of the Eurofighter Typhoon will be made to the Royal Air Force.

Adam Ingram: I refer the hon. Member to the written ministerial statement made by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence on 30 June 2003, Official Report, column 1WS.

Iraq

Paul Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will list (a) the location and (b) the number of British service personnel (i) killed and (ii) injured while on military duties in Iraq in 2003.

Adam Ingram: holding answer 30 June 2003
	As at 30 June 43 UK personnel have died and 155 have been injured since the beginning of Operation Telic.
	
		
			 Name Date Location 
		
		
			 Major Ward 21 March Kuwaiti side of the Kuwait/Iraq border 
			 Captain Guy   
			 Major Ward   
			 Colour Sergeant Cecil   
			 Marine Hedenskog   
			 OM(C)2 Seymour   
			 Sergeant Hehir   
			 Lance Bombadier Evans   
			 Warrant Officer 2 Stratford  
			 Lieutenant Green 22 March Northern Gulf 
			 Lieutenant King   
			 Lieutenant Lawrence   
			 Lieutenant West   
			 Lieutenant Wilson   
			 Lieutenant Williams   
			 Flight Lieutenant Williams 23 March Iraq/Kuwait border 
			 Flight Lieutenant Main   
			 Staff Sergeant Cullingworth 23 March Southern Iraq 
			 Sapper Allsopp   
			 Lance Corporal Stephen 24 March Al Zubayr 
			 Sergeant Roberts 24 March Al Zubayr 
			 Corporal Allbutt 25 March South west of Basrah 
			 Trooper Clarke 25 March  
			 Lance Corporal of Horse Hull 28 March Southern Iraq 
			 Marine Maddison 30 March Near Basrah 
			 Major Ballard 30 March Az Zubayr 
			 Lance Corporal Brierley 30 March Kuwait 
			 Staff Sergeant Muir 31 March Southern Iraq 
			 Lance Corporal Shearer 1 April Southern Iraq (Lt Tweedie died on 21 April in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary) 
			 Lieutenant Tweedie   
			 Private Muzvuru 6 April Basrah 
			 Lance Corporal Malone   
			 Fusilier Turrington 6 April Basrah 
			 Senior Aircraftsman Pritchard 8 May In hospital in UK following RTA in theatre 
			 Lance Corporal McCue 30 April Southern Iraq 
			 Private Kelly 6 May Southern Iraq 
			 Corporal Shepherd 19 May Kuwait 
			 Mr. Leonard Harvey (Defence Fire Service) 22 May Died in hospital in UK after being taken ill while deployed in the Gulf 
			 Corporal Aston 24 June Al Majaar Al Kabir 
			 Corporal Miller   
			 Lance Corporal Hyde   
			 Corporal Long   
			 Lance Corporal Keys   
			 Sergeant Hamilton-Jewell   
		
	
	We cannot provide the locations of the incidents where service personnel were injured as these are not held centrally.

Iraq

Mark Todd: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made in clearing sites in Iraq where cluster bombs were used; and if he will make a statement.

Geoff Hoon: United Kingdom and other coalition explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) teams in the UK's area of responsibility have completed over 1,000 tasks and destroyed over 100,000 individual munitions. We do not record types of munitions destroyed.
	A full survey of sites contaminated with unexploded munitions is now under way. The survey is being conducted in concert with other coalition forces, non-governmental organisations and demining companies. On average about 30 new EOD tasks are being identified each week.
	We cannot comment on progress made by other coalition partners, other than to reiterate that providing a safe, secure and risk free environment for the Iraqi people is a key aspect of restoration activity for all the coalition.

RAF Halton

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what information he has submitted to Aylesbury Vale district council under regulation 48(2) of the Conservation (Natural Habitats) Regulations 1994 about his plans to redevelop the Princess Mary hospital site, RAF Halton.

Ivor Caplin: Full consultation with the relevant authorities has identified no European designated sites within two km of the Princess Mary hospital site, RAF Halton. It is therefore not considered necessary for Aylesbury Vale district council, as the competent authority, to undertake an appropriate assessment as outlined under Regulation 48(2) of the Conservation (Natural Habitats) Regulations 1994.
	Bats are a European protected species. A full bat survey and comprehensive mitigation strategy will be submitted to Aylesbury Vale district council and English Nature for their consideration in due course.

RAF Halton

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the impact on plans to redevelop the Princess Mary hospital site, RAF Halton, of the discovery that bats are roosting in the hospital building.

Ivor Caplin: Defence Estates has commissioned a detailed bat survey at Princess Mary hospital site, RAF Halton, to determine the location of roosting bats, identify species type, estimate population size and provide recommendations for their protection with respect to the potential redevelopment of the hospital site. This survey is currently being undertaken by WSP Environmental, licensed bat ecologists, in consultation with relevant officers at Aylesbury Vale district council and English Nature. There should be no delay to the disposal as this work can run concurrently with the outline planning application.

Services Training

Kevin McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what measures have been put in place to ensure that those selected for instructional duties in each of the three services are temperamentally suitable.

Ivor Caplin: A number of measures have been put in place to ensure suitable personnel are selected for instructional duties. These include closer definition of competences in the selection process and better training of instructors after selection.

Services Training

Kevin McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many and what percentage of recruits dropped out of initial training in each of the last 10 years.

Ivor Caplin: Figures for the last 10 years are not available. However, the number and percentage of recruits who left the untrained strength of the armed forces and returned to civilian life in each year since 1998–99 are as follows:
	
		
			  1998–99 1999–2000 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 
			  No. % No. % No. % No. % No. % 
		
		
			  Naval Service 
			 Officers 80 8 70 6 80 7 80 6 120 10 
			 Other Ranks 1,390 42 1,610 46 1,430 45 1,690 50 1,620 46 
			 Total 1,470 34 1,680 36 1,500 35 1,770 38 1,740 36 
			
			 Army   
			 Officers 260 26 220 22 260 25 190 18 180 16 
			 Other Ranks 6,060 51 5,990 48 4,920 41 4,230 35 4,720 35 
			 Total 6,320 49 6,210 46 5,180 40 4,410 33 4,900 37 
			
			 RAF   
			 Officers 50 5 40 4 40 3 50 4 50 4 
			 Other Ranks 640 27 640 26 640 24 570 21 580 19 
			 Total 690 21 680 19 680 17 620 15 630 15 
			
			 All Services   
			 Officers 390 13 330 10 380 11 320 9 350 9 
			 Other Ranks 8,080 46 8,240 45 6,990 39 6,480 35 6,910 36 
			 Total 8,470 41 8,580 40 7,370 35 6,810 31 7,260 32 
		
	
	Note:
	All figures have been rounded to the nearest 10. Due to the rounding methods used, totals may not always equal the sum of the parts.

Stevens Inquiry

Kevin McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his policy is on the investigation of allegations concerning the destruction of documents and evidence that may be required by Sir John Stevens.

Adam Ingram: No allegations concerning the destruction of documents and evidence have been put to the Ministry of Defence. If, however, such allegations were made it would be for the police to investigate the matter in the first instance and consider whether charges should be brought. The Department would, as is its policy and practice, co-operate fully with any such investigation.

Suez Medal

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Suez veterans will be awarded a medal for their service in the Canal Zone; and when medals will be issued to veterans.

Ivor Caplin: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 3 July 2003, Official Report, column 453W, to the hon. Members for New Forest, East (Dr. Lewis) and for Castle Point (Bob Spink).

Troop Deployments

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many British troops are deployed in (a) Kosovo, (b) Bosnia and (c) Afghanistan.

Adam Ingram: There are some 300 British troops deployed in Kosovo, a further 1,250 in Bosnia and around 330 deployed in Afghanistan.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

Afghanistan

Harold Best: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he held with the Afghan authorities about reconstruction on his recent visit to Afghanistan.

Mike O'Brien: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary discussed reconstruction in the context of security sector reform with President Karzai and Foreign Minister Abdullah Abdullah during his recent visit. Without improved security, wider reconstruction efforts will not be possible. The UK is contributing £16.6 million this year to security sector reform; and has spent more than £170 million on development assistance to Afghanistan since September 2001.

African Great Lakes

Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what support his Department will give to proposals for a regional peace conference in the African Great Lakes area.

Chris Mullin: The UK fully supports proposals for a regional peace conference in the Great Lakes area, when conditions in the region are stable.

Cyprus

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the UN on promoting the re-opening of Nicosia airport; and if he will make this his policy. [R]

Denis MacShane: None. This is an issue for the two sides to discuss within the context of the measures introduced in response to the partial lifting of the restrictions on freedom of movement. We welcome all efforts to improve relations between the two communities, which have demonstrated that Greek and Turkish Cypriots can live together peacefully. However, confidence building measures cannot be a substitute for a comprehensive settlement on the basis of the UN plan.

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps his Department will be taking to support the newly created Transitional National Government in the Democratic Republic of the Congo; and if he will make a statement.

Chris Mullin: We warmly welcome the announcement on 30 June 2003 of the proposed new Transitional National Government (TNG) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). We are encouraging the parties to ensure that inauguration of the TNG happens soon, as the next step on the road to peace and democracy.
	The Department for International Development is preparing a strategy to support the DRC during the transition and beyond. We are working closely with them on this.

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the leaders of the (a) Democratic Republic of the Congo, (b) Rwanda and (c) Uganda on preventing the supplying, training and arming of rebel groups in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Chris Mullin: We are in regular contact with the governments of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Rwanda and Uganda. We continue to call on them to stop all support to all armed groups throughout the DRC. UN Security Council Resolution 1484 of 30 May demanded that all states in the Great Lakes region refrain from any activity which could further destabilise the situation in Ituri, and
	"the cessation of all support, in particular weapons and any other military materiel, to the armed groups and militias".
	It further demanded that all Congolese parties and all states in the region actively prevent the supply of such support.

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent reports he has received regarding the conflict in the east and north-east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Chris Mullin: The UN-mandated Interim Emergency Multinational Force has reached operational capacity and has made good progress. The situation in Bunia is reported to be much calmer since demilitarisation of the town. The UK has contributed five staff officers to the Force Headquarters and an engineer detachment (around 76 strong).
	There have been a series of military confrontations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo's other troubled eastern provinces, the Kivus, between the Rally for Congolese Democracy (RCD-Goma) and various other groups. A ceasefire agreement was signed in the Burundian capital, Bujumbura, on 19 June by the RCD-Goma, the Rally for Congolese Democracy-Liberation Movement and the FAC (DRC Government forces), which we welcome. We hope that the inauguration of the Transitional National Government in Kinshasa—anticipated later this month—will reduce tension in the Kivus.

Departmental Ministers

John Horam: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many Ministers there were in his Department in each year since 1996.

Bill Rammell: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him by my hon. Friend the Minister of State, Cabinet Office on 24 June 2003, Official Report, column 661W.

BAE Systems

Matthew Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when his Department first received allegations of corrupt practice by BAE Systems regarding the possible sale of Gripen jets and the decision by the Government of the Czech Republic to buy supersonic aircraft.

Denis MacShane: We have not received any substantiated allegations of corrupt practice by BAE Systems over the possible sale of Gripen jets to the Czech Republic.

BAE Systems

Matthew Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the United States Government first made complaints of alleged corrupt practice by BAE Systems regarding the possible sale of Gripen jets and the decision by the Government of the Czech Republic to buy supersonic aircraft to his Department; and which United States Government Department made this complaint.

Denis MacShane: Various Departments of the US Administration have raised allegations against BAE Systems, on a number of occasions, since the US industry decision in May 2001 not to continue participation in the Czech Republic's fighter aircraft competition, but we have been unable to find, nor have we been given, any evidence whatsoever to substantiate them.

BAE Systems

Matthew Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many meetings have been held since 1 January 1999 between Ministers in his Department and the United States administration in which allegations of corrupt practice by BAE Systems regarding the possible sale of Gripen jets and the decision by the government of the Czech Republic to buy supersonic aircraft were discussed; when each of these meetings was held; where each of these meetings was held; and which United States Administration departments attended each of these meetings.

Denis MacShane: No allegations of corrupt practice have been discussed in any meetings between FCO Ministers and the US Administration.

Hong Kong

Richard Spring: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of whether the proposed amendments before the legislative chamber of Hong Kong regarding article 23 are compatible with the basic rights and freedoms that were laid down in the Joint Declaration; and if he will make a statement.

Bill Rammell: The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) Government announced several proposed changes to their draft Article 23 legislation on 3 and 6 June. We welcome this further demonstration of their willingness to take account of views expressed and to improve the wording of this sensitive piece of legislation.
	There has, however, been no substantive change to the proposed new provisions on the proscription of organisations that have links with groups banned in the mainland on grounds of national security.
	The Joint Declaration and Basic Law provide for Hong Kong to have a legal system separate from that on the Mainland. The proposed new provisions on proscription blur the dividing line between the two autonomous legal systems by introducing into Hong Kong legislation linkages to mainland law. We share the view of many in Hong Kong that this is inconsistent with the "One Country, Two Systems" principle, which underlies the Joint Declaration. We have made this point to the SAR Government.
	I issued a press statement expressing these views on 30 June.

Human Trafficking

David Chaytor: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many UK lorry drivers have been arrested in EU countries for offences related to drug smuggling and human trafficking in each of the last three years; and what proportion of these have claimed to be innocent.

Chris Mullin: holding answer 7 July 2003
	We do not have the statistics for the last three years on the points raised by my hon. Friend. It would incur disproportionate cost to provide this information. However, we are aware of 82 British lorry drivers currently detained in EU countries for drug smuggling or human trafficking offences.
	We do not make judgments on the innocence or guilt of British nationals detained overseas.

Iraq

Llew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs for what reasons the dossier on Iraq's weapons of mass destruction produced in March 2002 was not published at that time.

Bill Rammell: There was work going on in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on a document which covered four countries and WMD in consultation with other Government Departments and the JIC. A large part of that was on Iraq and could have been published separately. However, once it was decided that the intelligence material on Iraq should be referred to more explicitly the process was taken over by the JIC Chairman and the JIC and a new draft was produced.

Iraq

Graham Allen: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the (a) membership, (b) previous positions held by members, (c) terms of employment, (d) responsibilities, (e) line management and (f) funding of (i) the Coalition Information Centre and (ii) the Iraq Communications Committee; and what access each is given to intelligence and security information.

Bill Rammell: The Coalition Information Centre (CIC) was based in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and it was under the direction of the Prime Minister's Director of Communications. It was staffed by officials from a wide range of Whitehall Departments and, when appropriate, secondees from other Governments. Most of those involved had previously worked in the field of Government Communications and Information. They remained on the normal employment terms of their home Departments. Their responsibility within the CIC was to contribute to the co-ordination and dissemination of cross-Government information and communications.
	When delivering their day-to-day objectives within the CIC, staff were managed by a senior FCO official, but their personnel management remained with their home Departments. The funding of the CIC for infrastructure (IT etc.) was covered by the FCO. Home Departments covered staffing costs. Those members of the CIC who were authorised to have access to intelligence and security information did so through the appropriate channels.
	The Iraq Communications Group is comprised of senior officials from Downing Street and other Whitehall Departments.

Iraq

Ann Clwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to his statement of 28 April 2003, Official Report, column 31, on Iraq, when he will make a written statement on the disruption of the INDICT conference in Paris in 2000.

Bill Rammell: holding answer 7 July 2003
	We are still looking into this issue, which relates to newspaper reports concerning documents obtained in Iraq. We are seeking to establish whether the claims made about the content and importance of a number of such documents have any foundation. It will take some time for the documents to be examined and there is no guarantee that it will be possible to publish the findings. If it transpires that the Government can make public any new insights, we will do so.

Iraq

Angela Browning: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which states have offered to become engaged in the stabilisation of Iraq following Resolution 1483, passed by the UN Security Council on 22 May; and what role each state will play, together with the commencement date.

Bill Rammell: holding answer 8 July 2003
	At least 17 states are expected to contribute military forces and personnel to work alongside UK and US troops in the multi-national stabilisation force in Iraq. These states are Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Mongolia, Netherlands, Norway, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Thailand, and Ukraine. New Zealand will provide engineers for humanitarian and reconstruction tasks. Other nations are also expected to contribute. The multi-national force will be responsible for internal and external security in Iraq, until new Iraqi forces are capable of taking on these roles. Some forces have already deployed and we expect all to deploy over the next few months.

Morocco

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Moroccan authorities on the jailed Saharani human rights activist Ali Salem Tamek.

Bill Rammell: holding answer 7 July 2003
	I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him by the then Under-Secretary of State on 7 May 2003. Officials and Ministers regularly call upon the parties to the Western Sahara dispute to take action on human rights issues.
	In April this year officials brought our concerns over the trial, sentencing and prison conditions of Ali Salem Tamek to the attention of the Moroccan authorities in Laayoune and Rabat. We continue to monitor the situation closely, and will take action with the appropriate authorities where necessary.

Morocco

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the impact on the Saharawi people of changed restrictions on their civil rights by the Moroccan authorities.

Bill Rammell: holding answer 7 July 2003
	We continue to monitor the situation in Western Sahara and raise specific cases with the relevant authorities where appropriate.

Pakistan

Jenny Tonge: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations his Department has made to the Government of Pakistan on the impact of Shari'a law on Pakistani Christians in the North West Frontier Province.

Mike O'Brien: We are aware that a Shariat Bill has been passed in the North West Frontier Province which envisages an Islamic way of life there. No representation has been made because the human rights implications are as yet unclear. The law is not yet in force and its constitutionality has reportedly been challenged in the Supreme Court. Our High Commission in Pakistan will continue to monitor the evolving situation closely.

Pakistan

Jenny Tonge: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations his Department has made to the Government of Pakistan on the imprisonment of Pakistani Christians charged with blasphemy.

Mike O'Brien: We remain concerned about the treatment of minorities and misuse of the blasphemy laws. We are aware of a number of people (including Pakistani Christians) who are imprisoned for blasphemy, some of whom are facing the death sentence. On 7 February 2003 the EU Presidency in Islamabad delivered a comprehensive demarche to the Minister of State (Law, Justice and Human Rights), Mr. Muhammad Raza Hayat Harraj, expressing our serious concerns. The Presidency reiterated these concerns to Mr. Harraj, in a second demarche on 23 June 2003. With our EU partners, we will continue to press for the death penalty to be abolished and blasphemy laws amended.

Rwanda

Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the prospect for free and fair elections in Rwanda.

Chris Mullin: The Rwandan authorities have announced that Presidential and Parliamentary elections will be held in August and September. We have encouraged the Government gradually to open up political space in the run-up to these and to ensure that the elections are free, fair and transparent. A new law governing political organisations and politicians was adopted on 23 June. This prohibits parties from basing themselves on
	"race, ethnic group, tribe, clan, region, sex, religion or any other division which may give rise to discrimination".
	We recognise the Rwandan authorities' concerns over the speed at which political liberalisation occurs within an environment still traumatised by the genocide, and recognise that this will be a long term process.

Taiwan

Frank Roy: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to support Taiwan's efforts to be granted observer status at the World Health Organisation.

Bill Rammell: I refer my hon. Friend to the answers I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Tooting (Mr. Cox) on 26 March 2003, Official Report, column 260W, and 28 April 2003, Official Report, column 134W.
	A number of World Health Assembly (WHA) members proposed that Taiwan be granted observer status to the WHA. China and a number of countries strongly opposed this. This proposal did not make the agenda for the WHA and was not therefore discussed.

UK Arms Exports

Andy Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the use of UK arms exports to Indonesia.

Mike O'Brien: I refer my hon. Friend to the answers I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Islington, North (Jeremy Corbyn) on 12 June 2003, Official Report, columns 1038–39W, and the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Cynon Valley (Ann Clwyd) on 3 July 2003, Official Report, column 455W.

CULTURE MEDIA AND SPORT

Crown Green Bowling

Colin Burgon: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment she has made of the contribution crown green bowling makes to the promotion of (a) social cohesion and (b) a healthier nation.

Richard Caborn: holding answer 8 July 2003
	The Government appreciate that sport and physical activity have valuable roles to play in tackling a wide range of objectives, including promoting social cohesion and improving health. This Department and Sport England have, however, made no formal assessment specifically of the role of crown green bowling in the promotion of social cohesion and a healthier nation.

Olympic Bid

Annabelle Ewing: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what representations she has (a) received from and (b) made to the Scottish Executive concerning the London Olympic bid.

Tessa Jowell: I recently received representations from Frank McAveety, Scottish Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport, concerning the London Olympic bid, in which he generally welcomed the bid and identified the need, which I endorse, to work together closely to maximise the benefits of the Olympics for the whole of the UK. Mr. McAveety also raised concerns about the potential impact of the Olympics on the Lottery in Scotland and I intend to respond to his letter shortly.
	In January this year I discussed the London Olympic bid at Sports Cabinet, the body which brings together the four Home Country Ministers with responsibility for sport. At this meeting I outlined the key criteria on which the decision to support a London bid for 2012 would be based—affordability, deliverability, legacy and winnability.
	DCMS officials have also had various discussions with their Scottish Executive counterparts and I am keen that in taking forward work on the Olympic bid there is a clear and open dialogue between my Department and the Devolved Administrations.

Projects (Merseyside)

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what projects the Department supported in the Crosby constituency and Merseyside in (a) 2000, (b) 2001, (c) 2002 and (d) 2003.

Richard Caborn: The information required has been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

Regional Sports Budgets

Jim Cousins: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport whether Sport England has settled regional budgets for the current year; and what the budget allocation is for the English regions.

Richard Caborn: Sport England has not yet set the budgets for the regions and is currently looking at a range of options regarding future funding.

Royal Parks

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport 
	(1)  what representations she has received regarding Royal Parks in the last 12 months;
	(2)  what plans she has to work with The Royal Parks Foundation in the regeneration of Royal Parks;
	(3)  what recent discussions she has had with The Royal Parks Foundation; and if she will make a statement;
	(4)  if she will make a statement on the condition of Royal Parks in London;
	(5)  what further plans she has to maintain the condition of The Royal Parks following the recently announced funding to restore Royal Parks.

Richard Caborn: DCMS receives many representations about various aspects of the role and work of The Royal Parks over the course of a year.
	The latest assessment of The Royal Parks' priorities and plans, including plans to improve the condition of infrastructure in the Parks, is contained in The Royal Parks Corporate Plan 2003–04 to 2005–06, which my right hon. Friend the then Minister for the Arts, Baroness Blackstone, approved on 12 May 2003. Copies of the Plan have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.
	The Royal Parks Foundation is a charity which has very recently been established to increase the profile of the Parks and raise funds for projects and initiatives within the Parks. It has three trustees and is chaired by Peter Ellwood CBE. It shares the vision and objectives of The Royal Parks but is independent of Government, and will make its own decisions about the use of any funds which it raises. The Chief Executive of The Royal Parks is working closely with the Foundation and is in regular contact with its Chairman and trustees. The Royal Parks has not so far received any funding from the Foundation. The Foundation has yet to start its fund-raising work and its programme will take time to develop.

HOME DEPARTMENT

Asylum Seekers

Boris Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum seekers from Chechnya have been removed.

Beverley Hughes: Information on the number of people of Chechen origin removed from the UK is not available except by examination of individual case files, which would incur disproportionate cost.

Asylum Seekers

Tom Cox: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum seekers have been housed in each of the London local authorities in each of the last three years; and if he will make a statement.

Beverley Hughes: The information is not available in the form requested.
	The availability of information on the location of asylum seekers in the UK is currently linked to the support the asylum seeker receives. Asylum seekers in the UK either receive support from the National Asylum Support Service (NASS), local authorities or the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), or are supporting themselves.
	The following table contains the numbers of asylum seekers (including dependants) supported by NASS as at the end December 2000 and December 2001. It is not possible to split data for these periods into each of the London boroughs.
	
		
			December 
			  2000 2001 
		
		
			 Asylum seekers (including dependants) supported in NASS accommodation 250 1,470 
			 Asylum seekers (including dependants) in receipt of subsistence only support from NASS 6,210 17,910 
		
	
	The data for December 2002 can be split into the London boroughs:
	
		
			  Asylum seekers (including dependants) supported in NASS accommodation Asylum seekers (including dependants) in receipt of subsistence only support from NASS 
		
		
			 Barking and Dagenham 45 475 
			 Barnet 90 805 
			 Bexley 10 105 
			 Brent 50 2,245 
			 Bromley 20 155 
			 Camden 35 605 
			 Croydon 50 1,120 
			 Ealing 90 1,900 
			 Enfield 365 1,430 
			 Greenwich 45 685 
			 Hackney 135 1,570 
			 Hammersmith and Fulham 95 475 
			 Haringey 520 2,575 
			 Harrow 65 790 
			 Havering — 60 
			 Hillingdon 20 625 
			 Hounslow 35 750 
			 Islington 145 810 
			 Kensington and Chelsea 15 260 
			 Kingston upon Thames 25 170 
			 Lambeth 100 1,240 
			 Lewisham 80 1,060 
			 Merton 20 715 
			 Newham 180 2,660 
			 Redbridge 25 755 
			 Richmond upon Thames 15 60 
			 Southwark 55 1,170 
			 Sutton — 150 
			 Tower Hamlets 20 380 
			 Waltham Forest 175 1,395 
			 Wandsworth 35 855 
			 Westminster 40 515 
			 Other — 5 
			 Total 2,605 28,555 
		
	
	The following numbers are taken from the grant claims sent to the Home Office by local authorities, as at the end of the financial year. Asylum seekers are not necessarily resident in the local authority that supports them due to the voluntary dispersal programme which operated prior to NASS.
	
		
			  2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 
		
		
			 Barking and Dagenham 1,195 940 825 
			 Barnet 630 540 343 
			 Bexley 175 165 103 
			 Brent 935 755 469 
			 Bromley 250 175 95 
			 Camden 780 555 290 
			 Corporation of London 165 160 91 
			 Croydon 305 250 221 
			 Ealing 580 355 202 
			 Enfield 1,005 890 717 
			 Greenwich 890 725 454 
			 Hackney 1,295 1,100 890 
			 Hammersmith and Fulham 1,080 865 534 
			 Haringey 2,485 2,420 1,740 
			 Harrow 375 245 155 
			 Havering 330 265 138 
			 Hillingdon 1,055 730 386 
			 Hounslow 365 330 280 
			 Islington 2,245 1,815 1,422 
			 Kensington and Chelsea 1,015 670 365 
			 Kingston upon Thames 155 135 76 
			 Lambeth 1,690 1,550 1,073 
			 Lewisham 1,200 910 558 
			 Merton 420 360 194 
			 Newham 2,580 2,040 1,651 
			 Redbridge 1,395 950 508 
			 Richmond upon Thames 925 695 313 
			 Southwark 2,005 1,620 963 
			 Sutton 275 195 166 
			 Tower Hamlets 30 600 319 
			 Waltham Forest 425 840 612 
			 Wandsworth 5 310 230 
			 Westminster 30 865 498 
			 Total 28,275 25,035 16,881 
		
	
	No information is held centrally on the location or residence of asylum seekers supported by DWP or who support themselves.

Asylum Seekers

George Mudie: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum seekers are referred to (a) Leeds, (b) Bradford and (c) Wakefield; and what the intended maximum numbers are for each of those areas.

Beverley Hughes: The information is not available in the form requested.
	The availability of information on the location of asylum seekers in the UK is currently linked to the support the asylum seeker receives. Asylum seekers in the UK either receive support from the National Asylum Support Service (NASS), local authorities or the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), or are supporting themselves.
	The following table contains the numbers of asylum seekers (including dependants) supported by NASS as at the end March 2003 in each of the three areas 1 .
	
		
			  Number of asylum seekers (including dependants) supported in NASS accommodation Number of asylum seekers (including dependants) receiving subsistence only support 
		
		
			 Leeds 1,785 280 
			 Bradford 1,570 140 
			 Wakefield 565 25 
		
	
	The following numbers are taken from the grant claims sent to the Home Office by local authorities, as at the end of March 2003. (Asylum seekers are not necessarily resident in the local authority that supports them due to the voluntary dispersal programme which operated prior to NASS) 1 .
	1 Figures have been rounded to the nearest five. These figures exclude cases where support has been ceased.
	
		
			  Number of singles supported as at end March 2003 Number of families supported as at end of March 2003 
		
		
			 Leeds 30 10 
			 Bradford 10 15 
			 Wakefield 35 15 
		
	
	No information is held centrally on the location or residence of asylum seekers supported by DWP or who support themselves.

Asylum Seekers

Tom Cox: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many reception centres there are in England and Wales to which asylum seekers are sent.

Beverley Hughes: There is one establishment designated as a reception centre—the Oakington Reception Centre in Cambridgeshire, which accommodates up to 400 asylum seekers.
	However, asylum seekers can also be received, on arrival, at an induction centre. Currently there are two induction centres, one in Dover and another in Leeds. Generally speaking, asylum seekers requiring accommodation will spend approximately one week in the induction centre before being dispersed. Other asylum seekers requesting either subsistence only support or who do not require support will spend between one and two days at the centre.
	We are proposing to establish a national network of induction centres over the coming months.

Asylum Seekers

Humfrey Malins: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what information is given by British officials operating in France under juxtaposed controls to (a) undocumented and (b) inadequately documented persons who wish to claim asylum in the UK; what access they are given to independent legal advice; what monitoring is undertaken as to how many who are refused entry by British officials then claim asylum in France; and in what circumstances British officials will admit such persons to the asylum process in the UK.

Beverley Hughes: Persons refused entry to the UK at the juxtaposed controls in France who claim asylum are served with a written Notice of Refusal of Leave to Enter, which tells them that the United Kingdom is under no obligation to consider their asylum claim and that they are to be handed over to the competent French authorities.
	These procedures apply both to persons with no travel documents and to those holding invalid/improper travel documents.
	Given that asylum applicants are handed to the appropriate French authorities we do not routinely provide access to independent legal advisors in the UK. But public telephones are available for use in waiting areas and may be used at any time.
	The UK Immigration Service does not collate figures on the numbers of persons refused leave to enter the UK at the juxtaposed controls who apply for asylum in France.
	Given the clear access to the French asylum process for those who claim asylum at the juxtaposed controls, there are no circumstances where admittance to the UK asylum process will be given. It is possible, however, for the French authorities to make a request to transfer an asylum applicant to the UK if they believe the applicant is the responsibility of the UK under the criteria set out in the Dublin Convention.

Asylum Seekers

Nigel Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum applicants have been removed from Northern Ireland in each year since 2002.

Beverley Hughes: Information on the number of removals of persons from particular areas of the UK is not available except by examination of individual case-files; this would incur disproportionate cost.

Asylum Seekers

Adrian Flook: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if the departmental press office will answer inquiries about the Taunton/Bridgwater contract run by Clearsprings Ltd. on behalf of the National Asylum Support Service.

Beverley Hughes: holding answer 7 July 2003
	The Home Office press office does answer media queries on behalf of the National Asylum Support Service (NASS) and recently provided an answer to a question from a local newspaper about Clearsprings. The newspaper was informed that Clearsprings has not yet offered NASS any specific properties and so no decisions have been made about their suitability.

Asylum Seekers

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what talks he has had with his Afghan counterparts about the return of Afghan asylum seekers and making conditions safer for returning Afghan citizens.

Beverley Hughes: holding answer 8 July 2003
	The Government opened negotiations with the Afghan Authorities on return issues following the change of regime in Afghanistan. These negotiations resulted in the signing of a Tripartite Memorandum of Understanding by the UK Government, the Afghan Authorities and the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) on 12 October 2000. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishes a framework for returns from the UK to Afghanistan. We continue to have talks with the Afghan Authorities on the subject. Most recently, my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary met President Karzai in London on 4 June 2003, and restated the Government's commitment to ensuring that returnees have access to reintegration assistance in Afghanistan. We will continue to work with the Afghan authorities to ensure that returns to Afghanistan are sustainable.

Correspondence

Colin Pickthall: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he will reply to the letter from the hon. Member for West Lancashire about Mr. John Gillespie, acknowledged on 4 April 2003 (MP/Auth Ref 30091/M591/3).

Paul Goggins: I replied to my hon. Friend on 30 June 2003.

Correspondence

Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he intends to reply to the letter to him dated 20 May 2003 from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton with regard to Mrs. A. Bibi.

David Blunkett: I wrote to my right hon. Friend on 8 July 2003.

Cyprus

Andrew Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what rights Turkish Cypriots resident in occupied Cyprus will have to (a) visit the UK for work, (b) settle in the UK permanently and (c) reside in the UK temporarily after Cyprus joins the EU; what visa requirements will be imposed; and if he will make a statement. [R]

Beverley Hughes: Cypriot nationals, wherever they may reside, will have the same rights as current EU nationals to live and work in any of the existing member states from accession. Like current EU nationals, they will be able to remain in the UK for as long as they are exercising their EC Treaty rights—for instance, by working, studying or being self-sufficient. In addition, UK law provides that EU nationals, except students, who have been exercising their Treaty rights in the UK for four years may apply for permanent residence. EC law obliges EU member states to admit EU nationals on production of their valid passport or identity card so the UK will not impose any visa requirements on Cypriot nationals from accession.

Exhibitions

Tim Yeo: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list events at which his Department and each agency and non-departmental public body for which his Department is responsible have exhibited in each of the last three years, stating for each (a) the purpose of exhibiting, (b) the cost of exhibiting and (c) the number of staff attending for the exhibition.

Fiona Mactaggart: This information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Gambling

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  what assessment he has made of the contribution of the gambling industry to the British economy in terms of (a) jobs and (b) contributions to the Treasury; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  what research he has commissioned into difficulties faced by the British gambling industry and the effects of such difficulties on the British economy; what reports he has received on difficulties faced by the gambling industry in other European companies; and if he will make a statement.

Richard Caborn: I have been asked to reply.
	The partial regulatory impact assessment included in "A safe bet for success" (Cm 5397), which we published last year, estimated that the gambling industry supports about 125,000 (full-time or equivalent) jobs and contributes about £1.5 billion a year in gambling taxation; and that implementation of the Government's legislative proposals could lead to an increase in net gambling expenditure of at least £500 million a year (with consequential increases in both employment and taxation). The Department has commissioned no research itself since the report of the Gambling Review Body (Cm 5206) into difficulties faced by the gambling industry here or in other European countries, but in developing the proposals set out in Cm 5397 we have taken note of a number of economic and other assessments undertaken on behalf of business.

Hackney Siege

Gordon Prentice: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the cost was of dealing with the Hackney siege; and if he will make a statement.

Hazel Blears: The Commissioner of Police for the Metropolis informs me the estimated costs incurred for policing the Hackney siege are £2.2 million. Of this, £981,323 are additional costs generated specifically by the siege.
	The additional costs include those of overtime, air support, the costs of barriers etc. and potential payment of third party claims as a direct consequence of police activity.
	The Metropolitan police service has yet to conclude the negotiations with third parties to quantify items and losses claimed.

Indefinite Leave to Remain

Parmjit Dhanda: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the length of time it takes for those given indefinite leave to remain in the UK to have the stamp transferred from an expired passport into a new passport when applying (a) in person to the Immigration and Nationality Directorate in Croydon and (b) by recorded delivery to the Immigration and Nationality Directorate.

Beverley Hughes: holding answer 8 July 2003
	The Public Enquiry Office offers a same day service for the endorsement of a "No Time Limit" stamp on an applicant's national passport. As long as the applicant presents the previous expired passport showing Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and a new passport which has been obtained legally through the relevant embassy or high commission.
	We aim to screen all postal applications, including those where a request is made to place a "No Time Limit" stamp into a new passport, within three weeks of receipt and to complete approximately 70 per cent. of these cases at that point. If that is not possible then the application can take up to 12 months to decide.

Marsham Street

Sue Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  when the inquiries into the legality and sustainability of the timber used on the Home Office construction site at 2 Marsham street will take place; whether the results of the inquiry will be published; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  what efforts are being made to ensure that all future timber used on the construction site at 2 Marsham street will be from legal and sustainable sources;
	(3)  upon what evidence his Department has relied to ensure that timber used at the Home Office construction site at 2 Marsham street has come from legal and sustainable sources; and if he will make a statement.

Fiona Mactaggart: No timber has been supplied so far for use in the new Home Office building. The developer has informed us that timber has been purchased by their sub-contractors for their use during construction in performing their obligations under the construction contract. This timber comprises 217 m 3 of which 46 per cent. are softwoods from France, and the remainder plywood 30 per cent. from Indonesia, 23 per cent. Brazil and 1 per cent. Finland. In addition 2,917 pieces of sawn softwood have been sourced from forests in Austria. All this timber has been legally imported with UK Customs clearance.
	The timber from Austria and Finland had PEFC (Pan European Forestry Certification—European Ecologic Norms). The timber from France came from a forest with a sustainable forest management programme. Plywood from Indonesia and Brazil was legally imported but the developer has not yet been able to supply information about the exact sources within these countries. The plywood from Finland was a trial purchase of sustainable plywood sources made by the developer's sub-contractors seeking an alternative to tropical sources.
	On 6 June the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs issued a clarification to Departments that it was policy to monitor the sourcing of timber purchased and used by contractors in the construction process, as well as timber purchased for use in the new building. The contract will in future be administered to include monitoring of the legal and sustainable sources of such timber.
	I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Member for Stretford and Urmston (Beverly Hughes) on 13 May 2003, Official Report, column 221W, on timber. An undertaking was given to place in the Library copies of certificates for the sustainable and legal timber sourcing. This is being done in respect of the Austrian, Finnish and French timber. Those from Brazil and Indonesia will be provided as soon as they are received from the developer.
	I am satisfied that arrangements are in place to ensure that all future timber purchases whether for use in the construction process or for use in the new building will be shown to be obtained from legal and sustainable sources. The developer has informed us that it intends that no further plywood for use in 2 Marsham street will be sourced from Indonesia.

Mental Health

Paul Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many of his staff retired on medical grounds due to mental health problems in the last year.

David Blunkett: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Member for Paisley, South (Mr. Alexander) on 24 June 2003, Official Report, column 662W.

Parliamentary Questions

Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he will answer Questions ref 117115 and 117116 from the hon. Member for Mid Dorset and North Poole tabled for answer on 5 June.

Paul Goggins: holding answer 7 July 2003
	I refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 2 July 2003, Official Report, column 329W.

Police

Tom Cox: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many vacancies for police officers there are within the Metropolitan police force; and if he will make a statement.

Hazel Blears: The Commissioner of Police for the Metropolis informs me that at the end of May 2003 there were 28,602 police officers in the Metropolitan police service (MPS) against a budgeted workforce target for the policing year ending 31 March 2004 of 29,856 officers. There are therefore some 1,254 vacancies (although this changes on a weekly basis).
	The recruitment target for the MPS in the current year is 3,440. This takes account of projected leavers from the service and continuation of the recruitment of additional officers as part of the safer City campaign. The MPS continues to attract applications and has in place the processes to ensure it meets its recruitment plans.

Prison Education

Mark Oaten: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much has been spent on education in prison in each of the last five years.

Paul Goggins: holding answer 7 July 2003
	Budgets for education in prisons have been ring-fenced from 2001 and managed by the Offenders' Learning and Skills Unit (OLSU) based in the Department for Education and Skills. Against OLSU's main programme budget, which funds teaching and induction hours, libraries and the cost of education materials, spend was £56.7 million in 2001–02 and £65.7 in 2002–03. These figures includes £5 million each year to the youth Justice Board.

Radical Islamic Groups

Nick Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to his answer of 24 June 2003, Official Report, column 748W, if he will make an assessment of possible connections between radical Islamic groups prejudicial to UK interests and (a) the International Islamic Relief Organisation, (b) al-Haramain and (c) the World Assembly of Islamic Youth.

David Blunkett: There are well established arrangements in place to assess threats to national security but, in accordance with established parliamentary practice, it would not be appropriate to comment on particulars.

Work Permits

Matthew Green: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many intra-company transfer work permits were granted in each month in (a) 2002 and (b) 2003 to date.

Beverley Hughes: Figures showing the numbers of work permit applications approved under the intra-company transfers arrangement, by month since 2002 are as follows:
	
		
			  Work permit applications 
		
		
			 2002  
			 January 2,201 
			 February 2,071 
			 March 2,227 
			 April 2,274 
			 May 2,325 
			 June 2,104 
			 July 2,420 
			 August 2,144 
			 September 2,080 
			 October 2,263 
			 November 2,017 
			 December 1,974 
			 2003  
			 January 2,213 
			 February 2,049 
			 March 2,447 
			 April 2,054 
			 May 2,309 
			 June 2,359 
			 Total 39,531

CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS

Postal/Pilot Schemes

William Cash: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs 
	(1)  if he will make a statement on the use of all-postal ballot schemes in elections taking place in 2004;
	(2)  what plans the Government has to introduce legislation allowing the use of election pilot schemes in the proposed combined elections in June 2004; and if he will make a statement.

Christopher Leslie: Under s.10 of the Representation of the People Act 2000, local authorities in England and Wales can apply to run electoral pilot schemes to trial innovative voting methods at local elections.
	For the greater convenience of the electorate, we propose to provide, subject to parliamentary approval of the Local Government Bill, for the date of next year's local elections in England to be moved to the same day as that of the European parliamentary elections.
	The Government are keen to maintain the momentum built up so far in the electoral pilots programme and are, therefore, giving positive consideration to the possibility of making legislative provision to enable pilots to take place at next year's elections.

ENVIRONMENT FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

Warm Front Scheme

Jim Cousins: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what financial allocations to the Warm Front scheme are planned for 2003–04; whether the Warm Front scheme has regional spending pots; how these have changed; and whether she has set out change in (a) priorities and (b) eligibilities for 2003–04.

Ben Bradshaw: We have allocated funding of £156 million for work on fuel poverty in 2003–04 of which £152 million is for Warm Front. The funding is not split into regional pots, though the Scheme Managers are encouraged to target measures in proportion to the level of fuel poverty in an area.
	The overall aim of the scheme remains the delivery of energy efficiency improvements to eligible households. A revision to the eligibility criteria for the scheme was made earlier this year to reflect changes in the Benefit System and further changes are being considered to reflect the introduction of Pension Credit in October.

DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER

Council Tax

Andrew George: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what the average level of (a) council tax and (b) band D council tax is in the south-west of England.

Phil Hope: The average level of council tax per dwelling in the south-west of England for 2003–04 is £938.
	The average level of band D council tax in the south-west of England for 2003–04 is £1,113.

Government Office (North-West)

Helen Jones: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what the cost was of the production and distribution of the 2002–03 Government Office for the North West Annual Review.

Yvette Cooper: The cost of production of the 2002–03 Government Office for the North West Annual Review, excluding staff time was £5,640. Compilation and distribution was done in-house so it is not possible to provide a figure for these costs.

Government Office (North-West)

Helen Jones: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many times the Government Office for the North West has lodged objections to planning applications in Warrington since 1997; which applications were objected to; and what the grounds of the objection were in each case.

Keith Hill: Government Offices do not comment on individual planning applications. Since 1997 six planning applications in Warrington have been called in for determination by my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister.

Regional Assemblies

Philip Hammond: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many responses from each region his Department received to the soundings exercise on the level of interest in each English region in holding a referendum about an elected regional assembly by (a) 3 March, (b) 16 May and (c) 12 June.

Nick Raynsford: The information for those precise dates is not available, because the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister does not have a record of the date that each response was received. I refer the hon. Member for Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr. Hammond) to the answer given to the hon. Member for Hexham (Mr. Atkinson) on 18 March 2003, Official Report, column 743W, which said that the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister had received over 4,500 responses by that date. On 26 March 2003 approximately 5,000 responses had been received, and on 3 April 2003 5,400 responses had been received. These figures were the results of ad hoc counts at these dates.
	The final total was 8,468 responses received by 13 June 2003.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

India (Poverty)

Liz Blackman: To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development what action he is taking to reduce poverty in India.

Hilary Benn: DFID provided £185 million to India in 2001–02. In the New Delhi Declaration of January 2002 the Prime Minister looked forward to expenditure of over £300 million.
	Our programme helps government deliver pro-poor policies and services. We are working closely with four focus states committed to poverty reduction, including on their programmes of fiscal and public sector reform, increasing access to basic health, education, and urban services for the poor and empowerment of the marginalized. We also support the efforts of the Union Government and civil society in these areas nationwide.

Sub-Saharan Africa

Andrew Turner: To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development if he will make a statement on the assistance the Department is providing towards the development of responsible government in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Hilary Benn: Supporting African Governments to improve their effectiveness is a priority for DFID and a priority for Africa. As shown by the New Partnership for Africa's Development improving Governments' ability to; maintain security, encourage investment, and formulate sound public and financial policy is essential if poverty is to be reduced.
	Our support for improved governance includes; assisting country led Poverty Reduction Strategies and supporting civil society to hold governments to account. Our commitments to Africa all reinforce responsible government and totalled £601 million in 2002 they are planned to increase to £1 billion by 2005.

Iraq

Hugh Bayley: To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development how much money has been contributed to the UN's emergency appeal for Iraq by each G8 country.

Hilary Benn: According to the United Nations, the following contributions had been made by 4 July 2003, in US dollars rounded to the nearest 100,000:
	
		
			  $ million 
		
		
			 USA 509.2 
			 United Kingdom 108.5 
			 Japan 87.1 
			 Canada 29.9 
			 Italy 20.1 
			 European Community 11.3 
			 Germany 10 
		
	
	France and the Russian Federation had not contributed to the United Nations appeal.
	The figure for the United Kingdom does not include the additional £35 million commitment announced by my right hon. and noble Friend the Secretary of State for International Development on 26 June, which has yet to be allocated to individual UN agencies.

Iraq

Harry Cohen: To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development pursuant to the answer of 9 April, Official Report, column 303W, on Iraq, whether aid will be charged to Iraqi sources of funds; whether Treasury funds have been allocated to the Department to carry out humanitarian obligations under the Geneva Convention, the Hague Regulations and the UN Resolution following the passing of United Nations Resolution 1483; and if she will make a statement.

Hilary Benn: £210 million has been earmarked by DFID for humanitarian and reconstruction work in Iraq during the current crisis. £90 million of this is from DFID's own resources, and £120 million is from the Treasury central reserve. In addition, the Chancellor has set aside a further £60 million from the Central Reserve for any further reconstruction needs in Iraq that may arise in 2003–04.
	None of this assistance will be charged to any Iraqi source of funds.

Iraq

Llew Smith: To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development what assistance the Department is giving to Greenpeace for its scheme to exchange clean water containers for barrels contaminated with uranium yellow cake in Iraq.

Hilary Benn: Greenpeace's initiative to exchange clean water containers for contaminated drums looted from the Al Tuwaitha nuclear facility near Baghdad is welcome. Greenpeace has not approached DFID for assistance with this scheme.
	The World Health Organisation (WHO) is investigating the local population's exposure to risk, and is assessing local health facilities, patterns of admissions and the possible medical impact of this reported exposure. A task force, including representatives the Iraqi Ministry of Health and Atomic Energy Commission, as well as a DFID secondee to the Coalition Provisional Authority, has been established in Baghdad to take forward further action on this matter.

Iraq

Jenny Tonge: To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development what estimate the Department has made of the number of Iraqis who did not receive their June rations.

Hilary Benn: On June 1, the Iraqi Ministry of Trade re-launched the Public Distribution System targeting some 27 million Iraqis with food aid. The World Food Programme's (WFP) preliminary estimate is that approximately 26 million Iraqis received their June food rations. The WFP is expecting to release a comprehensive report to donors this week.

Investment Projects (Private Sector)

Michael Jack: To ask the Minister of State for International Development if he will make a statement on the contribution that the private sector makes to investment projects in less developed countries.

Hilary Benn: Successful private investment and businesses are critical to development and reducing poverty. It is new and growing enterprises that will create the jobs and income needed by the poor.
	Both domestic and foreign investment is needed, the latter often bringing with it technology, management skills, and international market access.
	DFID helps in numerous ways to encourage private investment in developing countries that benefits the poor. We help governments put in place sound macroeconomic policies; improved laws, regulations and justice systems; and better health and education services. We work with international and local business, as though our support for the Ethical Trading Initiative, the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, and programmes to extend financial services to small enterprises.

World Trade Organisation

Kali Mountford: To ask the Minister of State for International Development what objectives the Secretary of State will be pursuing at the fifth ministerial round of the World Trade Organisation at Cancun.

Hilary Benn: The Government's overall objective for the Doha round of world trade negotiations is clear: we are working to secure a deal that brings real benefits to developing countries and to the UK.
	Our immediate priorities for the Cancun ministerial in September are to increase developing country access to rich countries' agricultural markets, and to make rules on intellectual property flexible enough to allow developing countries to tackle public health problems. We are also pressing for effective special and differential treatment for developing countries.

World Trade Organisation

Derek Wyatt: To ask the Minister of State for International Development what proposals the Secretary of State will put forward at the WTO meeting in Cancun to reduce tariff barriers between the EU and third world countries.

Hilary Benn: The fifth ministerial meeting of the World Trade Organisation in Cancun this September will assess progress towards achieving the 'development' agenda set out in Doha in November 2001. As such, Ministers will consider the merits of already tabled proposals on increasing developing countries' access to the rich countries' markets. Specifically, the EU is pushing for an overall average tariff reduction of 36 per cent. in the agriculture negotiations, and a reduction of tariffs on non-agricultural goods to a maximum of 15 per cent. The EU is also arguing that all developed countries should match the commitment that it has already made to grant duty and quota free access for all products excluding arms originating in least developed countries.

Latin America

Chris Bryant: To ask the Minister of State for International Development what evaluation the Secretary of State has made of the need for further work by the Department in Latin America.

Hilary Benn: . DFID remains committed to continuing to contribute to the reduction of inequality and poverty in Latin America. The 2003 departmental report sets out the plans for DFID's bilateral programme to the region. The Department will be consulting DFID Ministers on the preparation of a new Regional Assistance Plan in the Autumn to determine DFID's role over the period 2004–07.

Zimbabwe

Mark Simmonds: To ask the Minister of State for International Development what recent assessment he has made of the humanitarian aid reaching the people of Zimbabwe.

Hilary Benn: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave earlier to the hon. Member for Epsom and Ewell (Chris Grayling).

Gujarat Earthquake

Andrew Dismore: To ask the Minister of State for International Development what continuing help is being given to Gujarat consequent on the Bhuj earthquake.

Hilary Benn: The Department for International Development provided emergency relief to the victims of the Gujarat earthquake but is not providing any further continuing help to Gujarat subsequent to that. In India the Department's strategy is to work in partnership with the state governments of Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh as well as with the Government of India. DFID is not engaged in any long term efforts for the rehabilitation of the earthquake victims since Gujarat is not amongst our focus states.

Afghanistan

Nick Palmer: To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development, what assessment the Secretary of State has made of progress in rebuilding Afghanistan.

Hilary Benn: Since the fall of the Taliban regime in November 2001, Afghanistan has made significant progress. Around 4.5 million children are expected to go to school this year and over 30 per cent. will be girls. Polio has almost been eradicated and 9 million children have been vaccinated against measles. So far over 1.8 million refugees have gone back to Afghanistan.
	The humanitarian situation is also much improved. There is no longer a humanitarian emergency. There was a mild winter in 2002/03 and the wheat harvest increased by 80 per cent. in 2002, compared 2001, after increased rainfall. Reconstruction work has started in Kabul and the provinces on the rehabilitation of power supplies, hospitals, schools, housing and roads.
	However, Afghanistan continues to face major difficulties. First and foremost the lack of security is a serious problem, particularly in the south of the country. The government still does not have effective control over the entire country and this has been hampering the rebuilding efforts in some parts of the country.

Births (Medical Attendants)

Christine Russell: To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development what efforts his Department is making towards increasing the number of births attended by skilled attendants in Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia, excluding India and China.

Hilary Benn: DFID's public service agreement includes specific targets to increase the proportion ofbirths attended by skilled attendants in Africa and Asia. We have provided 1.5 billion to strengthen health systems in developing countries since 1997 and have invested in large safe motherhood projects in a number of countries including Nepal and Malawi. We are currently finalising an action plan to increase DFID engagement in international efforts to reach the Millennium Development Goal to improve maternal health. Such work is complemented by broader efforts to strengthen public service management and to improve the training and retention of key public sector staff including midwives and doctors.

Capacity Building

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development, how much (a) the EU and (b) the UK spent on capacity building in (i) 2001–02 and (ii) 2002–03; and how much is budgeted for 2003–04.

Hilary Benn: Capacity building continues to form a major part of our Technical Co-operation programme in the form of personnel, training, research and associated costs. Our Technical Co-operation expenditure for 2001–02 was £616 million and for 2002–03 was £741 million. We expect expenditure levels in 2003–04 to remain similar to those of last year.
	DFID does not have data on EU capacity building; this could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Debt Relief Programmes

Colin Challen: To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development what steps the Department has taken to assess the efficacy of privatisation conditionalities attached to debt relief programmes.

Hilary Benn: Privatisation is not a pre-condition for countries to start receiving debt relief under the enhanced Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative. In 1999, the UK pressed successfully for debt relief to be frontloaded, so that countries begin receiving relief at the start of the process, when they have developed an Interim Poverty Reduction Strategy—a blueprint for a national strategy to tackle the causes of poverty and developed a satisfactory track record in economic management.
	However, in order to receive an irrevocable reduction in their stock of debt, there are three types of conditions that countries have to,meet in order to complete the HIPC process. Firstly, they must demonstrate commitment to poverty reduction by developing and implementing a Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper for one year. This is a nationally owned and led strategy, which analyses the causes of poverty, sets out how these will be tackled and specifies how government resources, including savings from debt relief, will be used. Secondly, countries must demonstrate sound economic management by remaining on-track with an IMF programme. Thirdly, countries must implement a set of reforms, known as Completion Point triggers, which are agreed between the government and the IMF at the start of the HIPC process. These reforms cover a range of measures. Among the 26 countries that have so far qualified for relief, there are a total of 317 Completion Point triggers. Of these, only 41 relate to privatisation and regulatory measures. The Government monitors progress towards meeting these triggers, including taking a view on whether the triggers are still relevant, through both the six-monthly progress reports from the IMF and World Bank, and through discussions at country level. Where overall progress is satisfactory but certain conditions are seen as no longer relevant, or delays have occurred that are beyond a country's control, countries can still complete the HIPC process. For example, Mauritania recently completed the process despite delays in the privatisation of their utility companies.

EU Committees

John Bercow: To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development how many officials in the Department for International Development serve on EU committees or working parties.

Hilary Benn: The number of officials from DFID who attend meetings of EU management committees, working parties and working groups is not fixed. Depending on the subject matter under consideration, the most appropriate policy officials will attend meetings of EU committees. Most meetings are normally attended by a single official from DFID; occasionally more than one official will attend.
	Officials from DFID attend the following committees:
	Asia and Latin America management committee (ALA)
	Financial and technical co-operation for Mediterranean non-member countries management committee (MED)
	European Development Fund management committee (EDF)
	Food security and food aid management committee (FS & FAC)
	Food aid working group (FAWG)
	Technical assistance to the Commonwealth of Independent States management committee (TACIS)
	Community Assistance for Reconstruction, Development and Stabilisation management committee (CARDS)
	Committee on pre-accession assistance to central and eastern European countries (PHARE)
	Humanitarian aid management committee (HAC)
	Committee for development co-operation with South Africa
	NGO co-financing committee
	Committee on special assistance to traditional ACP suppliers of bananas

Millennium Development Goals

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development what estimate he has made of the contribution which can be expected from the (a) international private sector and (b) domestic private sectors towards the costs of delivering the millennium development goals on water and sanitation in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.

Hilary Benn: DFID is currently engaged in the EU Water Initiative and leads on the Finance Component that focuses on improving the sustainable financing of water supply and sanitation services that will benefit the poor. Extensive research is being undertaken as part of this work to estimate the financial challenge facing the water sector at a global and regional level. The issues are also being addressed as part of the UN Millennium Project by the Task Force on Water and Sanitation.
	The water sector is funded by a variety of sources, including:
	User charges and household and community investments;
	Domestic public financing;
	Private sector investment from either international or local operators;
	Official development assistance (ODA) loans and grants; and
	Donations from the local and international non-profit sector.
	A study undertaken by WaterAid in 2002 estimated current global spending on water and sanitation in the region of USD 30 billion, with the majority (approximately 70 per cent.) being provided by the domestic public sector. Private sector flows accounted for some 10 per cent. of global spending of which 7 per cent. came from the international private sector and 3 per cent. from the domestic private sector. External aid flows accounted for the remainder (approximately 20 per cent.) of spending.
	Meeting the water supply and sanitation targets within the Millennium Development Goals is estimated to require an additional US$9 billion to US$30 billion per year.
	The World Bank Private Participation in Infrastructure (PPI) database maintained by the World Bank includes information on infrastructure projects that include private sector investment and is the most comprehensive single source of data on private sector flows available. The PPI records initial investments rather than ongoing operational expenses.
	Around 3 per cent. of Investment in infrastructure projects with private sector participation between 1990 and 2001 was in Sub-Saharan Africa. Around 28 per cent. was in East Asia and the Pacific region. Globally in the period 1990 to 2001, water and sanitation has accounted for only around 5 per cent. of investment in infrastructure projects with private sector participation. Figures from the PPI database indicate that global investment in water and sewerage projects with private sector participation has fallen from some US$6.9 billion in 1999 to around US$2.2 billion in 2001.
	Private capital flows to the water sector have been mostly directed to Latin America and South-East Asia, as they are considered more stable in macro-economic terms than other regions such as Sub-Saharan Africa. Private sector participation in the water and sanitation sector has remained at very low levels and is showing no sign of increase because of the perception of high risks and limited revenue potential affecting the sector.
	DFID is supporting a range of initiatives to encourage private sector involvement for improving access to water and sanitation, while seeking to ensure that services are provided at an affordable price to the poor.

Post-conflict Reconstruction

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development how many senior appointments have been made since 1997 of international secondments to post-conflict reconstruction work; and, of this number, how many appointments were women.

Hilary Benn: Based on information held centrally, there has been one male Senior Civil Service (SCS) appointment to post conflict construction work via an international secondment since 1997.

Solomon Islands

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development what (a) international and (b) EU aid is planned to be provided to the Solomon Islands; and if he will make a statement.

Hilary Benn: International donor efforts for development of the Solomon Islands have been seriously constrained by the lawlessness that has followed the ethnic violence and coup of 2000. We welcome the regional initiative led by Australia and New Zealand—now under discussion—to help restore stability and create a window for donors to contribute to reconstruction efforts. EU member states will this week discuss the contribution that the EU might make to a co-ordinated donor response, once security is restored and needs properly assessed. The Solomon Islands will also be discussed next week at a meeting of international donors in Sydney.

Street Children

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development how much aid his Department gives to tackle the problem of street children in South America; who this money is given to; and what the money is spent on.

Hilary Benn: DFID provides funds to support street children in Colombia (£20,000), Ecuador (£30,000) and Brazil (£241,000). The money is given to local institutions and non-governmental organisations.
	Funds are provided for projects such as addressing the issue of social exclusion by street children and their families, and helping disadvantaged street children attend formal schooling with a view to attaining circus qualifications. Funds are also provided to a 'From Street Children to all Children' project to improve the access of children from poor communities in Rio de Janeiro to education, health and other public services and promote a better understanding of the needs of children and youth in the community.

SOLICITOR-GENERAL

Thames Valley Police

Cheryl Gillan: To ask the Solicitor-General how many cases were referred to the Crown Prosecution Service by the Thames Valley Police in each of the last three years; what percentage of referred cases were dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service; and what percentage of referred cases resulted in a criminal conviction.

Harriet Harman: The CPS holds records for each of the 42 Areas of the Service. These are not always coterminous with the boundaries of the 43 police forces; Thames Valley is an area where the police boundary differs from that of the Crown Prosecution Service. Further, cases may be completed in an area different from that in which they originated.
	The following tables show the number of cases received by CPS Thames Valley in magistrates courts and in the Crown court for each of the last three years, and the eventual outcome of proceedings. The number of cases dealt with may differ from the number received because incomplete proceedings are carried over from year to year. Cases may result in a number of different outcomes: these are shown in full to provide a complete picture.
	
		CPS Thames Valley receipts and outcomes magistrates courts
		
			  2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 
		
		
			 Received 39,881 56,335 55,161 
			 
			 Discontinued 5,643 8,721 8,120 
			 Percentage 15.3 16.1 15.2 
			 
			 Bound over 699 1,069 1,119 
			 Percentage 1.9 2.0 2.1 
			 Written off 3,442 3,821 5,740 
			 Percentage 9.4 7.1 10.7 
			 
			 Committed 1,524 2,080 2,073 
			 Percentage 4.1 3.8 3.9 
			 
			 Dismissed 364 403 434 
			 Percentage 1.0 0.7 0.8 
			 
			 Convicted 25,095 38,086 35,954 
			 Percentage 68.3 70.3 67.3 
		
	
	Definitions of categories:
	Magistrates courts:
	Received: cases received from the police during each year, including cases referred for pre-charge advice as well as those which were the subject of charge or summons;
	Discontinued: all cases where the CPS decided not to proceed before evidence was heard;
	Bound over: cases where the CPS agreed to accept a bind over, and no trial was held;
	Written off: cases which could not proceed because the police could not trace the defendant, or the defendant had died or been found unfit to plead;
	Convicted: includes guilty pleas as well as convictions after trial.
	Note
	Each case represents one defendant. Case outcomes are expressed as a percentage of completed cases for each year.
	
		Crown court
		
			  2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 
		
		
			 Received 2,258 2,740 3,121 
			 
			 Judge ordered acquittals 105 204 250 
			 Percentage 7.1 12.1 12.4 
			 
			 Bound over 8 13 34 
			 Percentage 0.5 0.8 1.7 
			 
			 Written off 2 22 49 
			 Percentage 0.1 1.3 2.4 
			 
			 Acquitted 220 177 174 
			 Percentage 15.0 10.5 8.6 
			 
			 Convicted 1,136 1,272 1,505 
			 Percentage 77.2 75.4 74.8 
		
	
	Definitions of categories:
	Crown court:
	Received: all cases received from magistrates courts, including appeals and committals for sentence as well as those committed for trial;
	Judge ordered acquittals: cases where CPS decided not to proceed before a jury was sworn;
	Bound over: cases where the CPS agreed to accept a bind over, and no trial was held;
	Written off: cases which could not proceed because the police could not trace the defendant, or the defendant had died or been found unfit to plead;
	Convicted: includes guilty pleas as well as convictions after trial.
	Note
	Each case represents one defendant. Case outcomes are expressed as a percentage of completed cases for each year.

WORK AND PENSIONS

Council Tax Benefit

Edward Davey: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many households received council tax benefit in each financial year since 1991–92.

Chris Pond: The fall in the number of council tax benefit recipients over the past decade has been driven mainly by a fall in the number of elderly and unemployed benefit recipients.
	This can be explained by a general increase in affluence among the elderly. And due to the strong and stable economy we have built, there are more people in work than ever before. The number of unemployed council tax benefit recipients has fallen over the period in line with the fall in unemployment.
	The information of the number of council tax benefit recipients is in the table.
	
		Number of households in Great Britain receiving council tax benefit in each year since 1991–92
		
			  Council tax benefit recipients 
		
		
			 1991–92 6,366,000 
			 1992–93 6,704,000 
			 1993–94 5,417,000 
			 1994–95 5,560,000 
			 1995–96 5,638,000 
			 1996–97 5,563,000 
			 1997–98 5,426,000 
			 1998–99 5,257,000 
			 1999–2000 5,022,000 
			 2000–01 4,731,000 
			 2001–02 4,636,000 
			 2002–03 4,591,000 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. The figures are four quarter averages of caseloads taken in May, August, November and February of each financial year.
	2. The figures have been rounded to the nearest thousand.
	3. The data refer to households claiming council tax benefit, which may be a single person, a couple or a family. More than one benefit household can live in one property, for example two or more adults in a flat or house share arrangement.
	4. The figures include estimates for local authorities that have not responded. These estimates are based on historical and regional data. This type of estimate is standard practice in reporting totals where there have been non-respondents.
	5. The figures exclude any second adult rebate cases.
	6. Council tax was introduced in April 1993. Figures for 1991–92 and 1992–93 refer to community charge benefit.
	Source:
	Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit Management Information System Quarterly 100 per cent caseload stock-counts taken May 1991 to February 2003.

Employment Zones

Paul Holmes: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how much has been spent on employment zones since the programme began (a) in total and (b) broken down by zone; and if he will make a statement.

Des Browne: Information on the total budget and expenditure on the Employment Zone initiative is in the table.
	
		£ million
		
			  Total budget Total expenditure 
		
		
			 2000–01 56.4 72.0 
			 2001–02 87.0 95.5 
			 2002–03 91.3 (5)84 
		
	
	(5) Indicative
	Source:
	Jobcentre Plus
	Information on expenditure for individual Employment Zones cannot be published because it is 'commercial in confidence'.
	The differences between budget and spend in 2000–01 and 2001–02 are partly accounted for by better than anticipated performance by zone contractors, and more participants entering the programme earlier than forecast.

Health and Safety Executive

Alan Hurst: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many (a) fatal and (b) non-fatal accidents have been reported to the Health and Safety Executive in each year since 1973.

Des Browne: The following table gives the figures for fatal and non-fatal accidents reported to the enforcing authorities (Health and Safety Executive and local authorities) from 1973 to 2001–02 (the latest year for which figures are available). Discontinuity in the series of figures reflects changes in the legislation requiring reporting of such accidents.
	Injuries at work to employees and self-employed persons and members of the public injured as a result of someone else's work activity as reported to all enforcing authorities (HSE and local authorities) under various legislation.
	1. For the calendar years prior to 1981, Factories Act (1961)
	2. For the calendar years 1981 to 1985, Notification of Accidents and Dangerous occurrences Regulations (NADOR)
	3. For the planning years 1 April 1986–31 March 1996, Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR 85)
	4. For the Subsequent planning years commencing April 1st 1996, RIDDOR 95.
	It is not possible to separate the data on accidents reported between those reported to HSE and those reported to local authorities.
	
		Injuries in Great Britain as reported to all enforcing authorities during the period -- 1973 to 2001–02
		
			  Employees Self-employed 
			  Fatal Major Over three day Total injuries Fatal Major Over three day Total injuries 
		
		
			 1973 549 (6) (6) 549 (6) (6) (6) (6) 
			 1974 651 (6) (6) 651 (6) (6) (6) (6) 
			 1975 620 (6) (6) 620 (6) (6) (6) (6) 
			 1976 584 (6) (6) 584 (6) (6) (6) (6) 
			 1977 524 (6) (6) 524 (6) (6) (6) (6) 
			 1978 499 (6) (6) 499 123 (6) (6) 123 
			 1979 492 (6) (6) 492 123 (6) (6) 123 
			 1980 440 (6) (6) 440 139 (6) (6) 139 
			 1981 441 12,316 (6) 12,757 54 91 (6) 145 
			 1982 472 12,286 (6) 12,758 48 127 (6) 175 
			 1983 448 12,453 (6) 12,901 65 114 (6) 179 
			 1984 438 12,494 (6) 12,932 60 144 (6) 204 
			 1985 400 13,175 (6) 13,575 71 206 (6) 277 
			 1986–87 355 20,695 159,011 180,061 52 690 1,029 1,771 
			 1987–88 361 20,057 159,852 180,270 84 867 1,169 2,120 
			 1988–89 (7)529 19,944 163,119 183,063 80 1,152 1,503 2,735 
			 1989–90 370 20,396 165,244 186,010 105 1,310 1,865 3,280 
			 1990–91 346 19,896 160,811 181,053 87 1,326 2,077 3,490 
			 1991–92 297 17,597 152,506 170,400 71 1,101 1,832 3,004 
			 1992–93 276 16,938 141,147 158,361 63 1,115 2,136 3,314 
			 1993–94 245 16,705 134,928 151,878 51 1,274 2,531 3,856 
			 1994–95 191 17,041 139,349 156,581 81 1,313 2,869 4,263 
			 1995–96 209 16,568 130,582 147,359 49 1,166 2,394 3,609 
			 1996–97 207 27,964 127,286 155,457 80 1,356 2,282 3,718 
			 1997–98 212 29,187 134,789 164,188 62 815 984 1,861 
			 1998–99 188 28,368 132,295 160,851 65 685 849 1,599 
			 1999–2000 162 28,652 135,381 164,195 58 663 732 1,453 
			 2000–01 213 27,524 134,105 161,842 79 630 715 1,424 
			 2001–02 206 28,011 129,655 157,872 45 929 917 1,891 
		
	
	
		
			  Members of the public 
			  Fatal Non-fatal Total injuries 
		
		
			 1973 (6) (6) (6) 
			 1974 (6) (6) (6) 
			 1975 (6) (6) (6) 
			 1976 (6) (6) (6) 
			 1977 (6) (6) (6) 
			 1978 (6) (6) (6) 
			 1979 (6) (6) (6) 
			 1980 (6) (6) (6) 
			 1981 71 5,609 5,680 
			 1982 83 5,618 5,701 
			 1983 85 6,331 6,416 
			 1984 105 6,679 6,784 
			 1985 (8)159 6,939 6,939 
			 1986–87 92 14,575 14,667 
			 1987–88 113 12,880 12,993 
			 1988–89 121 12,614 12,735 
			 1989–90 (9)206 11,378 11,378 
			 1990–91 139 9,981 10,120 
			 1991–92 105 11,009 11,114 
			 1992–93 113 10,669 10,782 
			 1993–94 107 11,552 11,659 
			 1994–95 104 12,642 12,746 
			 1995–96 86 13,234 13,320 
			 1996–97 367 35,694 36,061 
			 1997–98 393 28,613 29,006 
			 1998–99 369 23,800 24,169 
			 1999–2000 436 25,059 25,495 
			 2000–01 444 20,836 21,280 
			 2001–02 393 14,834 15,227 
		
	
	(6) Not available.
	(7) Includes the 56 fatalities to members of the public in the Bradford City football club disaster.
	(8) Includes the 167 fatalities in the Piper Alpha disaster, 6 July 1988.
	(9) Includes the 95 fatalities and 766 non-fatal injuries to members of the public arising from the Hillsborough stadium disaster.

Health and Safety Executive

Brian Iddon: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many inspections of premises have been carried out by the Health and Safety Executive's Field Operations Directorate in Bolton in each of the last 10 years.

Des Browne: The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is in the following table:
	
		Table 1: The numbers of inspection contacts made by HSE's field operations directorate in Bolton LA between 1995–96 and 2002–03
		
			  Number 
		
		
			 1995–96 516 
			 1996–97 748 
			 1997–98 347 
			 1998–99 263 
			 1999–2000 297 
			 2000–01 403 
			 2001–02 329 
			 2002–03 219 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. The data have been taken from FOD's FOCUS database and refer to the numbers of inspection contacts (which may not correlate precisely with the numbers of inspections) in the Bolton local authority.
	2. Data on numbers of inspections are not available.
	3. Data for years 1993–94 and 1994–95 are not available.
	4. The data exclude contacts to premises now inspected by HSE's Hazardous Installations Directorate, part of which was subsumed in FOD until 1996.
	5. The high number for inspection contacts in 1996–97 is believed to be due in large part to a programme of management audits in the health services.

Health and Safety Executive

Tom Cox: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many prosecutions have been taken against employers for breaking health and safety rules in each of the last three years.

Des Browne: The information is in the tables.
	Number of prosecutions taken against employers by the Health and Safety Executive for health and safety at work offences in each of the last three years for which figures are available.
	
		Table 1
		
			 Year(10) Separate offences prosecuted 
		
		
			 1999–2000 1,339 
			 2000–01 1,408 
			 2001–02 1,468 
		
	
	Number of prosecutions taken against employers and others by local authorities.
	
		Table 2
		
			 Year(10) Separate offences prosecuted (all defendants)(11) 
		
		
			 1999–2000 412 
			 2000–01 401 
			 2001–02 Not yet available 
		
	
	(10) The annual basis is the planning year from 1 April to 31 March.
	(11) Figures for offences prosecuted by local authorities specifically against employers are not available except at disproportionate cost.

Lone Parents

Andy King: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the two pieces of analysis were that underlay the statement on minimum income for a lone parent on page 44, paragraph 17 of Preliminary Conclusions-Measuring Child Poverty, published on 13 May 1003.

Chris Pond: Page 44 of the document "Measuring Child Poverty—Preliminary Conclusions" for example, two pieces of analysis can produce different figures for a minimum income necessary for a lone parent with one child aged 5 was not referring to two actual pieces of analysis, but using an example to illustrate a specific point. The point being made is that different methodologies can be used to calculate a minimum income, and as there are a number of subjective decisions in these research methods, two pieces of analysis can conceivably produce different answers for the same family type.

National Partnership Accord

Ashok Kumar: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make a statement on how the National Partnership Accord will work alongside other national and area based initiatives tackling poverty and exclusion.

Des Browne: In May, the Partnership Accord was launched as a joint initiative between the Department for Work and Pensions, Jobcentre Plus and the Local Government Association.
	One of the primary aims of the partnership is to demonstrate that an effective multi-agency approach can contribute to economic prosperity and the well being of workless people. The Accord will complement other initiatives designed to tackle poverty and social exclusion by, for example, working with the Neighbourhood Renewal Unit and Learning and Skills Council to improve the quality of local neighbourhood renewal strategies.
	Through the sponsorship of economic regeneration and employment initiatives, local authorities will also help increase local employment rates and help to remove barriers to work. They will also offer their vacancies to local Jobcentre Plus clients, and, through the efficient administration of Housing Benefit, will support the aim of increasing sustained employment rates amongst disadvantaged groups.

Pension Credit

John Thurso: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people he estimates are eligible to receive pension credit, broken down by region.

Malcolm Wicks: The information is in the table.
	
		
			 Region Pensioner households entitled to pension credit 
		
		
			 North East 250,000 
			 North West and Merseyside 500,000 
			 Yorkshire and Humber 350,000 
			 East Midlands 300,000 
			 West Midlands 350,000 
			 Eastern 300,000 
			 London 450,000 
			 South East 350,000 
			 South West 300,000 
			 Wales 250,000 
			 Scotland 400,000 
			 Total (GB) 3,800,000 
		
	
	Notes:
	Estimates are done on a benefit unit basis (single pensioner or pensioner couple).
	Figures include care home cases.
	Figures are rounded to the nearest 50,000.
	Source:
	Policy simulation model 2003–04, based on data from the Family Resources Survey 2000–01

Pension Credit

Paul Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many pensioners he estimates will be the subject of means-testing when the pension credit is introduced in (a) Shrewsbury and Atcham and (b) Shropshire.

Malcolm Wicks: Estimates of pension credit entitlement are not available at an individual constituency or county level due to insufficient sample cases in the survey data used. However, around half of all pensioner households across Great Britain will be eligible for pension credit. They stand to gain, on average, £400 a year.
	Pension credit, unlike the means tested benefits of the past, is simple to apply for, involving a straightforward phone call. Once awarded the majority of pensioners, aged 65 and over, will not have to notify changes in their financial circumstances for a period of five years. Pension credit rewards, not penalises saving, ensuring that those who have worked hard to save modest amounts gain from having done so. By ignoring any income from savings below £6,000, 85 per cent. of pensioners getting pension credit will see any income they receive from their savings ignored completely.
	Nationally around 1.8 million minimum income guarantee (MIG) claims will be automatically transferred to pension credit. As at February 2003 there were 2,600 people receiving MIG in the parliamentary constituency of Shrewsbury and Atcham and 8,100 in Shropshire county.
	Source
	Income Support Quarterly Statistical Enquiry, February 2003.

Pension Credit

Archy Kirkwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what percentage of working age (a) adults, (b) men and (c) women in each region of the UK are contributing to (i) occupational and (ii) personal pensions.

Malcolm Wicks: The information for regions of Great Britain is in the table.
	
		Percentage of working age people contributing to occupational pensions by Government office region and gender, 2001–02,Great Britain -- Cell percentage
		
			  Male Female Adults 
		
		
			 North East 36 28 33 
			 North West 32 31 32 
			 Yorkshire and Humberside 29 32 31 
			 East Midlands 31 26 28 
			 West Midlands 33 31 32 
			 Eastern 37 31 34 
			 London 31 29 30 
			 South East 37 33 35 
			 South West 34 31 33 
			 Wales 31 32 31 
			 Scotland 34 35 35 
		
	
	Source:
	Family Resources Survey 2001–02.
	
		Percentage of working age people contributing to personal pensions by Government office region and gender, 2001–02, Great Britain -- Cell percentage
		
			  Male Female Adults 
		
		
			 North East 12 4 8 
			 North West 13 7 10 
			 Yorkshire and Humberside 16 6 11 
			 East Midlands 17 8 13 
			 West Midlands 17 8 13 
			 Eastern 21 10 16 
			 London 15 8 12 
			 South East 19 9 15 
			 South West 20 11 16 
			 Wales 12 5 9 
			 Scotland 15 7 11 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. All figures are estimates and are taken from the Family Resources Survey (FRS). 2001–02 is the latest year for which data are available. The coverage of the Survey is Great Britain.
	2. Stakeholder pensions are included as personal pensions in the estimates.
	3. Working age has been defined as 16–59 for women and 16–64 for men.
	4. Some individuals may contribute to both an occupational and a personal pension scheme.
	Source:
	Family Resources Survey 2001–02.

Productivity

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the output per hour worked was in (a) the UK, (b) Germany, (c) France, (d) United States and (e) Japan in each of the past 10 years.

John Healey: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.
	Letter from Len Cook to Mrs. Curtis-Thomas dated 9 July 2003
	As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your recent question concerning what the output per hour worked was in (a) the UK, (b) Germany, (c) France, (d) United States and (e) Japan in each of the past 10 years. (124106)
	The Office for National Statistics (ONS) publishes international comparisons of productivity (1CP) on output per hour worked on an experimental basis, with UK=100. The data runs from 1990. Levels of output per hour worked in Germany, France, the US and Japan are expressed as relative to the UK level. The reason why hourly 1CP is experimental is provided in the document available at http://www.statistics.gov.uk/downloads/theme economy/review of hourly ICP.pdf
	1CP is a web-only publication and published twice a year, usually in September and February. February 2003 was the latest release http://www.statistics.gov.uk/cci/nugget.asp?id=l60), with the data requested available at: http://www.statistics.gov.uk/downloads/experimental/icp.xls.
	It should be noted that these numbers have not incorporated the results of the UK Census 2001. We will update the numbers with revisions reflecting the Census in the next release coming out in September 2003. ONS estimates suggest that this improves UK relative hourly productivity performance by 3 to 5 index points for the most recent year

Standard Local Housing Allowance

Iain Coleman: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 
	(1)  what analysis his Department has made of the likely scale of the gap between the actual rent paid and the proposed standard local housing allowance for larger family units of accommodation;
	(2)  what analysis his Department has made of the likely scale of the gap between the relevant average rent and the relevant standard local housing allowance, broken down by local authority area.

Andrew Smith: The available information is in the table.
	Estimated median differences between rents referred to the rent officer and the standard local housing allowance in Pathfinder areas, based on the latest available local reference rents.
	
		£
		
			 Pathfinder authority All properties(12) Properties with three rooms or more(12) 
		
		
			 Blackpool 8.20 10.90 
			 Brighton and Hove -5.40 2.70 
			 Conwy 0.00 0.00 
			 Coventry -4.90 -6.30 
			 Edinburgh 0.00 0.00 
			 Leeds 4.10 3.80 
			 Lewisham 0.00 5.50 
			 Middlesbrough -2.20 -7.10 
			 North East Lincolnshire 4.90 1.60 
			 Teignbridge 1.90 2.50 
		
	
	(12) A positive median difference indicates that the rent referred to the rent officer is higher than the relevant standard local housing allowance.
	Notes
	1. Properties with three or more rooms (excluding kitchens, bathrooms and toilets) are shown as a proxy for larger family units of accommodation. However, no information is collected on the type or size of household living in each property, so the figures may also include multiple adult households and house-sharers.
	2. Referrals where there is under-occupation (where a property is larger than the tenant qualifies for under the size criteria) have been excluded.
	3. Median gaps are uprated to 2003–04 prices and rounded to the nearest 10p.
	4. The Rent Officer data relate to all referrals made over a year. They will differ from the Housing Benefit caseload in that some claims will not be successful (for example, because the person's income is too high) and because some people may claim more often than others (for example, because they move house, or leave and then return to benefit). The figures will therefore over-represent short duration claims.
	5. The estimates do not take account of any effect on behaviour caused by the SLHA scheme. E.g. some people may currently sign up for tenancies which are much more expensive than the local reference rent, since they do not know how the rules work and are unable to find out how much rent HB will pay for. But one of the main objectives of the Pathfinders is to make tenants aware of their budget in advance.
	6. Local reference rents can change over time, depending on the rent officer's judgment about the local housing market. Local reference rent figures from 2000–01 (the latest currently available) may not give an accurate prediction of SLHAs in 2003–04.
	7. The median differences between actual rents and local reference rents (LRRs) vary across the pathfinders depending on the impact of LRRs. Variations in median differences may be due to the type of area and availability of accommodation and will also depend on the calculation of the LRR and the judgment of Rent Officers as to the relevant local housing market.
	Source
	April 2000 to March 2001 Rent Officer data (England and Wales), 2001 Scottish Rent Officer data.

Telecommunication Masts

Colin Burgon: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many pensioners live in the Elmet constituency; how many of them he expects to benefit from the introduction of the pension credit; and how many of them he estimates receive a free TV licence.

Malcolm Wicks: The information requested is not available in the format requested but such information as is available is as follows:
	As at November 2002 there were 18,500 people over state pension age receiving a key DWP benefit in the Elmet constituency. There were also 7,300 people aged 75 or over who were receiving a key benefit and therefore eligible to receive a free TV licence.
	Estimates of pension credit entitlement are not available at individual constituency level due to insufficient sample cases in the survey data used. However around half of all pensioner households nationally will be eligible for pension credit.
	Source:
	IAD IC Client Group Analysis of the population over state pension age on key benefits (SP, MIG, AA, DLA, IB and SDA).

Whistleblowers Hotline

Steve Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions pursuant to his answer of 16 June 2003, Official Report, column 100W, on the Whistleblowers Hotline, what the costs of administrating the Hotline were in each year since its introduction.

Chris Pond: The Department's Whistleblowers Hotline was established in December 2000 and is available to any member of staff who wants to report possible wrongdoing anywhere in the Department but who does not want to report their concerns through the usual management channels.
	There was only a marginal increase in administration costs e.g. dedicated phone-line and publicity material, for the introduction of the Whistleblowers Hotline as the facility is supervised by staff who were already involved in the prevention, deterrence and investigation of cases of internal fraud. We estimate these marginal costs to be less than £5,000 per annum.

PRIME MINISTER

BAE Systems

Matthew Taylor: To ask the Prime Minister whether allegations of corrupt practices by BAE Systems were raised during his discussions with the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic in April 2002 regarding the possible sale of Gripen jets and the Czech decision to buy supersonic aircraft; and if he will make a statement.

Tony Blair: No such issues were raised in the course of these discussions.

BAE Systems

Matthew Taylor: To ask the Prime Minister how many written representations he has made since January 1999 to the Government of the Czech Republic regarding the possible sale of Gripen jets and the Czech decision to buy supersonic aircraft; and when each of these written representations was made.

Tony Blair: I have written twice to the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic about their future requirement for a multi-role combat aircraft.
	Ministers in successive Governments have fought for British interests abroad and I regard this as an important part of my job.
	It is not normal practice to release letters from the Prime Minister to another Head of Government under exemption l(b) of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information. Exemption 13 of the Code also applies with regard to commercial confidentiality.

House of Lords

Paul Tyler: To ask the Prime Minister how he intends to fulfil his undertaking to make the House of Lords more representative and democratic.

Tony Blair: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for East Londonderry (Mr. Campbell) on 7 July 2003, Official Report, columns 617–18W.

Iraq

Harry Cohen: To ask the Prime Minister pursuant to his answer of 24 June 2003, Official Report, column 55W, on Iraq, how many deaths of persons in British custody have occurred in Iraq in the last three months.

Tony Blair: I understand that my hon. Friend is referring to my answer of 30 June 2003 Official Report, column 55W. In the last three months there have been three deaths that have occurred while individuals have been in British custody. As I explained in my answer of 30 June 2003, each of these deaths are the subject of a Special Investigation Branch investigation.

Judicial Appointments Commission

Lady Hermon: To ask the Prime Minister pursuant to his statement of 18 June 2003, Official Report, column 357, on changes to Government departments, in what way an Independent Judicial Appointments Commission forms part of the agreed settlement in Northern Ireland.

Tony Blair: The Justice (Northern Ireland) Act 2002 provides for the establishment of an independent Judicial Appointments Commission. This follows the recommendation in the Criminal Justice Review Report published in March 2000, which was itself undertaken as a commitment arising out of the Belfast Agreement. The Joint Declaration, issued by the British and Irish Governments in April 2003, included a commitment to establish a Judicial Appointments Commission prior to devolution. A second Justice Bill will be introduced into Parliament as soon as Parliamentary time will allow to give effect to this commitment.

Performance Report

Paul Marsden: To ask the Prime Minister if he plans to publish an annual government report on performance in 2003.

Tony Blair: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Pendle (Mr. Prentice) on 12 July 2001, Official Report, column 638W.

Public Appointments

Tony Wright: To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the public appointments (a) which he makes himself and (b) on which his views are sought.

Tony Blair: I have placed in the Libraries of the House a list of the appointments which I make and on which my views are sought.
	On appointments on which my views are sought, paragraph 53 of the Ministerial Code sets out the categories of those appointments and re-appointments on which I should be consulted. The precise number of these will vary from time-to-time, depending on such issues as the public profile of the bodies concerned and the relevance of their activities to Government priorities.
	Many of the appointments are statutory requirements. There are also appointments on this list on which I have not been consulted for some time. This list is reviewed periodically. The current list will be reviewed later this year.

Public Appointments

Keith Vaz: To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the appointees to (a) the Museums and Galleries Commission, (b) The National Heritage Memorial Fund, (c) The Security and Vetting Appeals Panel and (d) the Committee on Standards in Public Life; and which of the appointees to each body are from ethnic minorities.

Tony Blair: (a) The Museums and Galleries Commission has now been replaced by The Council for Museums, Archives and Libraries (Resource). Appointments to Resource are made by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport.
	Chair
	Mark Wood BA MA
	Members
	Loyd Grossman
	Victor Gray
	Dr. R. A. McKee
	Lynne Brindley BA MA FRSA
	Neil MacGregor
	Ajay Chowdhury
	William MacNaught
	Mark Jones
	David Barrie
	Maurna Crozier (Member NI)
	Elizabeth Jane Ryder (Member Scotland)
	Alan Watkin (Member Wales)
	Of those who have consented to their diversity monitoring information being made available, one is from a minority ethnic origin.
	(b) The National Heritage Memorial Fund
	Ms Liz Forgan QBE
	Sir Angus Grossart QBE
	Mrs. Primrose Wilson
	Professor Thomas O. Pritchard
	Mr. James Wright
	The Earl of Dalkeith
	Ms Mary Ann Sieghart
	Miss Susan L. Palmer
	Mr. Giles Waterfield
	Mr. Nicholas Dodd
	Professor Christopher Baines
	Dr. Derek Langslow
	Miss Madhu Anjali
	Ms Catherine Graham-Harrison
	Dr. Mike Phillips
	Of those who have consented to their diversity monitoring information being made available, two are from a minority ethnic origin.
	(c) The Security and Vetting Appeals Panel
	Dame Janet Smith DBE
	Sir Stephen Mitchell
	Sir John Blelloch
	Mr. Peter Jones
	Sir Peter Woodhead
	Dr. George Gray
	(d) The Committee on Standards in Public Life
	The right hon. Christopher Smith MP
	Ms Rita Donaghy QBE
	Rabbi Julia Neuberger
	The right hon. Lord MacGregor of Pulham Market OBE
	The Lord Goodhart QC
	Sir Anthony Cleaver
	Sir Nigel Wicks
	Ms Frances Weaton

NORTHERN IRELAND

Paedophiles

Roy Beggs: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many convicted paedophiles are resident in each parliamentary constituency in Northern Ireland.

Jane Kennedy: The information is not readily available in the precise form requested. Statistics on offenders convicted for sexual offences against children are not collated at parliamentary constituency level. However, in the Northern Ireland police area, as at 12 June 2003, there were 451 convicted sex offenders subject to the notification requirements of Part 1 of the Sex Offenders Act 1997. These figures include offenders against adults and children.

Bloody Sunday Inquiry

Peter Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the cost of legal representation at the Bloody Sunday tribunal inquiry has been.

John Spellar: Up to end June 2003 the cost of legal representation at the Bloody Sunday Inquiry for which the Northern Ireland Office is responsible was £38.194 million. This figure includes costs for Inquiry counsel, Eversheds Solicitors, counsel and solicitors for the families and counsel and solicitors for a range of other clients including soldiers not represented by the Ministry of Defence.

Correspondence

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many staff have been employed in the Ministerial Correspondence Unit of the Department in each of the last two years.

Paul Murphy: Within the Northern Ireland Office four staff have been employed as correspondence clerks in each of the last two years.

Criminal Justice Oversight Commissioner

Peter Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what (a) salary and (b) associated expenses the new criminal justice Oversight Commissioner will receive.

John Spellar: Lord Clyde will be remunerated at the rate of £600 a day for each full day spent on the Commissioner's business. He will also receive £25 a day to cover any expenses he may incur in the course of such business.
	The Government believe that this is a fair and appropriate level of remuneration for the role of Oversight Commissioner.

Cultural Diversity Branch

Nigel Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the remit is of the Cultural Diversity Branch; how many staff are employed in it; and what the total costs of the branch have been in each year since it was set up.

Angela Smith: Cultural Diversity Branch exists to take forward the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure's goal to promote and celebrate cultural diversity. During 2002 the Branch also delivered on the Department's commitment as lead Department for the Golden Jubilee celebrations in Northern Ireland. At present three staff are employed in Cultural Diversity Branch. The Branch has been in existence since April 2001 and staffing and programme costs for each year since 2001 are:
	
		
			  £ 
		
		
			  
			  
			 2001–02 535,503.80 
			 2002–03 916,478.39

Decommissioning

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the organisations engaged in communications with the decommissioning body; and if he will make a statement.

Jane Kennedy: The Independent International Commission on Decommissioning is in contact with a wide range of organisations. In 2002 the UVF, UDA and Provisional IRA broke off contact with the IICD. However, in 2003 the Provisional IRA resumed contact and the Loyalist Commission, along with the UDA representatives, met the IICD. The Prime Minister has stated clearly that an undertaking is needed that all arms will be put beyond use through the IICD.

Irish Culture

Nigel Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what funding was provided for the promotion of (a) Irish culture and (b) Ulster-Scots culture in each year since 1998.

Angela Smith: The Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure funds the Ulster Scots Agency, which has a statutory remit to promote Ulster-Scots language and Culture. Total funding provided for the promotion of Ulster-Scots culture by the Agency since its formation is as follows:
	
		
			  £ 
		
		
			  
			  
			 2000 38,020.40 
			 2001 369,002.35 
			 2002 331,254.71 
			 2003 to date 133,396.73 
		
	
	The Department has also funded some projects with an Irish or Ulster-Scots cultural dimension which cannot be separated out from the primary funding objective.
	The Arts Council supports arts projects carried out through the medium of Irish and Ulster Scots but does not promote either culture.
	Funding for arts projects carried out through the medium of Irish and Ulster -Scots is detailed below:

Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission

Peter Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the cost of maintaining the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission was in each of the last three financial years.

John Spellar: The costs of maintaining the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission for the last three financial years are given below.
	
		
			  £ 
		
		
			  
			  
			 2000–01 923,942 
			 2001–02 1,304,000 
			 2002–03 1,217,250

Presidential Visit

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what sum has been spent from the normal policing budget in Northern Ireland as a result of the recent visit to the Province by the President of the United States.

Paul Murphy: The sum spent from the normal policing budget as a result of the recent visit to Northern Ireland was £368,749.00. This figure also incorporates the simultaneous visits of the Prime Minister and the Taoiseach; there is no means to separate these costs.

Queen's/Ulster Universities

Peter Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many (a) academics and (b) other staff were employed by (i) the Queens University of Belfast and (ii) the University of Ulster, broken down by gender, within the salary bands (A) less than £20,000, (B) £20,000 to £29,999, (C) £30,000 to £39,999, (D) £40,000 to £49,999, (E) £50,000 to £59,999, (F) £60,000 and above in the last five financial years.

Jane Kennedy: Information on academic and academic related staff employed at Queen's University, Belfast and the University of Ulster is collected and provided to the Department for Employment and Learning by the Higher Education Statistical Agency (HESA). Information on non-academic staff is not available within the Department. Information on salary bands is provided by HESA in a format which relates to academic years.
	The following tables provide salary information of academic and academic related staff employed over the last five academic years.
	
		Salary of academic staff employed at Queen's University Belfast and the University of Ulster by gender 1997–98 to 2001–02
		
			 1997–98 Queen's University of Belfast University of Ulster 
			 Salary (£) Female Male Total Female Male Total 
		
		
			 20,000 or under 178 298 476 155 174 329 
			 20,001 to 30,000 198 358 556 147 260 407 
			 30,001 to 40,000 42 248 290 60 379 439 
			 40,001 to 50,000 7 43 50 (13)— 46 (14)— 
			 50,001 and above 16 84 100 0 (13)— (13)— 
		
	
	
		
			 1998–99 Queen's University of Belfast University of Ulster 
			 Salary (£) Female Male Total Female Male Total 
		
		
			 20,000 or under 160 277 437 164 153 317 
			 20,001 to 30,000 211 349 560 166 271 437 
			 30,001 to 40,000 51 255 306 69 364 433 
			 40,001 to 50,000 8 51 59 5 64 69 
			 50,001 and above 15 80 95 0 (13)— (13)— 
		
	
	
		
			 1999–2000 Queen's University of Belfast University of Ulster 
			 Salary (£) Female Male Total Female Male Total 
		
		
			 20,000 or under 159 255 414 174 134 308 
			 20,001 to 30,000 147 249 396 155 166 321 
			 30,001 to 40,000 157 385 542 123 469 592 
			 40,001 to 50,000 15 86 101 17 97 114 
			 50,001 and above 15 90 105 (13)— 8 (14)— 
		
	
	
		
			 2000–01 Queen's University of Belfast University of Ulster 
			 Salary (£) Female Male Total Female Male Total 
		
		
			 20,000 or under 156 188 344 152 106 258 
			 20,001 to 30,000 174 295 469 181 176 357 
			 30,001 to 40,000 174 378 552 136 421 557 
			 40,001 to 50,000 19 102 121 23 162 185 
			 50,001 and above 16 106 122 5 20 25 
		
	
	
		
			 2001–02 Queen's University of Belfast University of Ulster 
			 Salary (£) Female Male Total Female Male Total 
		
		
			 20,000 or under 153 158 311 111 72 183 
			 20,001 to 30,000 199 317 516 214 200 414 
			 30,001 to 40,000 166 355 521 146 394 540 
			 40,001 to 50,000 23 95 118 42 183 225 
			 50,001 and above 21 140 161 6 34 40 
		
	
	(13) indicates that figures of less than five have been suppressed under the Department's policy concerning the release of information which could lead to the identification of an individual.
	(14) indicates that these figures have been suppressed to protect the identification of those above staff
	Source
	HESA

Road Obstructions

Peter Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many times roads in the vicinity of Cluan Place/Short Strand have been obstructed by persons without lawful authority over the past 12 months; and how many persons have been summoned to appear in court charged with obstruction contrary to Article 88 of the Roads (Northern Ireland) Order 1993. [R]

Jane Kennedy: In the past 12 months, roads in the vicinity of Cluan Place/Short Strand have been obstructed without lawful authority 52 times. During this same period six persons have been recommended for prosecution.
	The above is the figure currently recorded. It may be subject to revision.

Victim Groups

Nigel Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what funding bodies have responsibility for allocating funds to groups and organisations dealing with victims issues; how much each such body has allocated to victims groups in the last financial year; and how much each of the victims groups which were allocated funding received in the last financial year.

Paul Murphy: I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer I gave to Question reference 106241 in respect of the first two parts of this Question. I shall write to the hon. Gentleman once the information relating to the remaining part of this Question has been collated.

HEALTH

Caesarean Deliveries

Evan Harris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the percentage was of Caesarean deliveries in each NHS maternity unit in 2001.

Stephen Ladyman: Information on the percentage of caesarean deliveries in each NHS maternity unit in 2001–02 has been placed in the Library. The information is taken from the data published in National Health Service Maternity Statistics, England 2001/2002. The bulletin, number 2003/09, was published on 16 May 2003. A copy has been placed in the Library and is also available on the Department of Health's website at www.doh.uk/public/sb0309.htm

Care Homes

Cheryl Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many beds were available in care homes in (a) Chesham and Amersham and (b) Buckinghamshire in each year since 1st January 1996.

Stephen Ladyman: The latest available information on the number of residential and nursing care home places in Buckinghamshire since 1996 is shown in the table. Information on the number of carehome places in Chesham and Amersham is not centrally available.
	
		Residential and Nursing home places in Buckinghamshire 1996 to 2001 -- (rounded numbers)
		
			  Total number of care home places(15) 
			 As at 31 March 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 
		
		
			  
			  
			 Buckinghamshire Area(16) 4,710 4,140 5,310 5,350 5,300 5,380 
		
	
	(15) Total includes places in residential LA staffed, independent and dual registered homes, and beds in general and mental nursing homes, private hospitals and clinics.
	(16) Nursing home data refers to Buckinghamshire Health Authority. For comparative purposes, residential data refers to Buckinghamshire Shire County for the years 1996 and 1997 and Buckinghamshire Shire County and Milton Keynes Unitary Authority for 1998 onwards (Milton Keynes Unitary Authority did not exist prior to 1998).
	Source
	RA Form A and KO36, RH(N) forms, Department of Health

Commission forPublic Patient Involvement in Health

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what arrangements his Department has made to ensure that the Commission for Public Patient Involvement in Health will evaluate and learn from the trial Independent Complaints and Advocacy Service.

Rosie Winterton: The Department of Health has commissioned a final evaluation exercise of the independent complaints advocacy service (ICAS) pilots that have been running since 1 September 2002.
	A report will be published at the beginning of October 2003 and presented to the Commission for Patient and Public Involvement in Health (CPPIH) that has the function (under the NHS Reform and Healthcare Professions Act 2002) to consult on ICASstandards and monitor provision.
	Feedback from the ICAS pilots has informed the ICAS service that the Department of Health will commission for provision from 1 September 2003.

Community Health Councils

John Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the Government's proposals for the future of community health councils and the prospects of the people who serve them.

Rosie Winterton: I refer the hon. Member to the Written Ministerial Statement made by my hon. Friend, the then Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Mr. Lammy) on Wednesday 4 June, Official Report, columns 22–23WS. The Department of Health continues to work with trades unions to provide support to community health council staff to find alternative employment in the National Health Service. The Commission for Patient and Public Involvement in Health, through the Association of Community Health Councils for England and Wales, has invited community health council members to express an interest in serving on the new patients' forums.

Dentistry

David Kidney: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will publish the results of the Dental Workforce Review.

Rosie Winterton: We aim to publish the results of the National Workforce Review, including workforce planning assumptions for the National Health Service and the Higher Education Funding Council for England, later this year.

Dentistry

David Kidney: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what preparations he is making for the commissioning of dental services by primary care trusts, with particular reference to the support and training to be provided to primary cary trusts; and what estimate he has made of the levels of funding that primary care trusts will receive to fund local NHS dentistry services.

Rosie Winterton: Workshops for primary care trusts (PCTs) and for dentists have been run by the NHS Modernisation Agency with the support of the NHS Confederation and the involvement of the Department of Health to consider these matters. Following appraisal of these events, discussions are taking place with strategic health authorities about what form of support would best ensure a successful transition.
	Subject to Parliament, funding for primary dental services will be allocated to PCTs. These funds, hitherto held centrally and administered by the Dental Practice Board, will then be part of PCTs' general allocation. Current spending will be protected and in the longer term, allocations will need to take health needs into account, as general allocationscurrently do. In some areas that may mean making additional funding for dentistry available to PCTs so that they can begin to address the long-term oral health inequalities that many of them face. That would be taken into account in future allocations within the framework of the funding formula.

Dentistry

Hilton Dawson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent research he has commissioned on (a) the financial advantages for dentists who move to private practice from the national health service and (b) the reasons why dentists choose to move to private practice.

Rosie Winterton: The Department has not commissioned research on the financial advantages for dentists who move to private practice from the national health service or the reasons why dentists choose to move to private practice.
	It is widely recognised that some dentists initially chose to increase their proportion of private practice as a consequence of the new contract introduced in 1990. The contract was implemented without fully piloting many of the changes it contained. As a result of problems with the new arrangements, there was a reduction in dentists' fees in 1992 to stabilise the system.
	It has been identified in successive reports from Bloomfield's "Fundamental Review of Remuneration" in 1992 to the Health Select Committee in 2001 that dentists' current main cause of disaffection with the NHS is the way in which they are paid. The Health and Social Care (Community Health and Standards) Bill puts in place a framework by which it will be possible to pay dentists differently and reward them for different types of work. This will mark a move away from the current item of service system, which many dentists complain of.
	The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) published a report in March into the private dentistry market in the UK. The government welcomed the report and share the OFT's concerns about the market. One of the broad conclusions of the OFT's survey research was that dentists face very little competitive pressure. It is therefore relatively easy for dentists to enter the private market and retain their patients, who may "lack the information necessary to make informed choices", according to the report.

Disability Discrimination Act

Paul Beresford: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what he estimates the cost will be of the Primary Care Trusts' inspections by building surveyors, of individual medical and dental practices for compliance with the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.

John Hutton: holding answer 7 July 2003
	An estimate of the cost of inspections by suitable consultants of individual medical or dental practices is not available, as records of such costs are not held centrally.

Electroconvulsive Therapy

Paul Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many patients underwent electroconvulsive therapy in the last year for which figures are available; what percentage gave written consent in advance of the treatment; and which primary care trusts do not provide written information on electroconvulsive therapy before treatment commences.

Rosie Winterton: The latest information available on electro-convulsive therapy (ECT) is contained in the Department of Health's publication Statistical Bulletin Electro Convulsive Therapy: Survey covering the period from January 2002 to March 2002, England. This was a follow-up to an earlier survey of the period January to March 1999 and it looked at information gathered from a survey of National Health Service and independent sector care settings, including nursing homes and was undertaken to provide data on ECT that are not currently available elsewhere. In summary the survey found that:
	there were 12,800 administrations of ECT compared to 16,500 in January to March 1999;
	2,300 patients received ECT treatment compared to 2,800 in 1999;
	of the 2,300 patients who received ECT treatment 1,800 gave consent compared to 2,300 in 1999. The survey did not collect information on the formof consent given.
	The survey confirmed the continuing downward trend in the number of administrations of ECT. Copies of the 2002 survey and the earlier 1999 survey are available in the Library or can be downloaded from the Department of Health's website at http://www.doh.gov.uk/public/work health care.htm_menthealth .
	Information on which primary care trusts do not provide written information on ECT before treatment is not collected centrally. However, health professionals and mental health services managers are expected to ensure that ECT is administered to patients in accordance with the detailed guidance published by the Royal College of Psychiatrists' Special Committee on ECT entitled "The ECT Handbook—The Second Report of the Royal College of Psychiatrists' Special Committee on ECT". In particular, the Handbook contains two appendices. A factsheet for you and your family and additional information for out-patients receiving ECT which should be copied and given to patients. Copies of this document can be downloaded from the college's website at http://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/publications/cr/83 4.htm.
	The Royal College of Psychiatrists has also established the ECT Accreditation Service that will promote standards and training nationwide.
	The recently published guidance from the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) on the use of ECT will help health professionals and service managers to ensure that ECT is administered as safely, appropriately and effectively as possible. Copies of this guidance can be downloaded from the NICE website at http://www.nice.org.uk/pdf/59ectfullguidance.pdf .

Foundation Hospitals

Graham Stringer: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how he will define the electorate for a foundation hospital based on North Manchester General Hospital.

John Hutton: holding answer 7 July 2003
	The Pennine Acute Hospitals National Health Service Trust, of which North Manchester General Hospital is part, has not applied for NHS foundation trust status, so no membership community has been defined.
	Membership communities will vary across NHS foundation trusts. Subject to meeting the minimum legislative requirements set out in the Health and Social Care (Community Health and Standards) Bill, a NHS foundation trust will have the flexibility to define its own membership community.

Inventures

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to his answer of 30 June, Official Report, column 155W, on Inventures, whether the real estate partnership deal now being considered by his Department for the sale of surplus NHS properties is sufficiently different from the original terms of the sale offer to merit opening negotiations up to the original underbidders.

John Hutton: holding answer 7 July 2003
	The real estate partnership deal is still the subject of commercial negotiation with the preferred bidder and is still based on the original terms of the sale.

Inventures

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to his answer of 30 June 2003, Official Report, column 156W, on Inventures, what valuations of NHS properties being considered for sale have been concluded by Insignia Richard Ellis in the last 18 months and at what cost.

John Hutton: holding answer 7 July 2003
	Insignia Richard Ellis have not carried out formal valuations of the properties being considered for sale.

Mental Health

Paul Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of mental health patients have care plans in each primary care trust.

Rosie Winterton: Information on the percentage of mental health patients with care plans in each primary care trust (PCT) has been placed in the Library.
	The data in the table has been provided from the Quarter 4 Service and Financial Framework Return for 2002–03 on the percentage of patients with copies of their care plans by PCT.
	It should be noted that there are some data quality issues and not all of the organisations have returned data, hence the blanks in the table. This does not therefore represent a true England figure.

Mental Health

Lynne Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the status is of the document Inside Outside; to whom it has been officially circulated; and what response is expected from them.

Rosie Winterton: Inside Outside is a key national document on improving mental health services for black and minority ethnic communities. The recommendations of Inside Outside will form the basis of the Departments action plan, which will be sent out for formal consultation shortly.
	It has been disseminated widely and is freely available via the internet and the Department's free response line.

Mental Health

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is being done to improve the care of people with mental help problems regarding service redesign and strengthening local partnerships across traditional organisational boundaries in (a) the UK and (b) the South Sefton Primary Care Trust.

Rosie Winterton: The mental health access, booking and choice programme provides the opportunity for mental health communities in England to access the tools and techniques of the service redesign methodology. To date, all eight National Institute for Mental Health in England (NIMHE) development centres have participated in the programme, with approximately 160 project teams, representing 90 per cent. of all mental health communities, joining the programme.
	Plans for 2003/2004 are to engage every local mental health community in the access, booking and choice. South Sefton Primary Care Trust has not been involved in the work to date, but will have the opportunity to be part of phase two of the programme of work.
	Information relating to Wales and Scotland is for the devolved administrations to respond to. While the institution for Northern Ireland is dissolved, responsibility rests with Ministers in the Northern Ireland Office.

Microsoft

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much has been paid to Microsoft in licensing fees by the NHS in each of the past three years.

John Hutton: holding answer 24 June 2003
	A central licensing agreement was negotiated with Microsoft for the majority of software products with effect from 4 October 2001.
	Figures for licensing fees prior to that date, or for software outside the agreement, are not available centrally.
	Payments for software licences covered by the central licensing agreement are as follows:
	2000–01 (figures not available)
	2001–02 £16.9 million from October 2001
	2002–03 £62.3 million

Midwives

Evan Harris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of midwife units were not able to provide one-to-one midwifery care to all women in labour in each year since 1990.

Stephen Ladyman: The information requested is not collected centrally. The recent information on one-to-one care which we are aware of was collected by the English National Board (ENB) and published in its Midwifery Practice Audit in 2000–2001. The ENB audit said that 78 per cent. of maternity units always provided one-to-one midwifery support to all women in established labour. However, the audit does not distinguish between midwife-led units and obstetric-led units.
	The Department of Health sees one to one care for all women as the gold standard. We will be working through the maternity module of the children's national service framework, which we are currently developing, to see how this can be achieved.

Public Benefit Corporations

Gordon Prentice: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether members of the public seeking to become members of public benefit corporations will have to (a) pay and (b) pledge to pay £1 to exercise voting rights; and if he will make a statement.

John Hutton: holding answer 7 July 2003
	The Health and Social Care (Community Health and Standards) Bill requires that a person may not be a member of a public benefit corporation unless he has agreed to pay a sum not exceeding £1.

Public Benefit Corporations

Gordon Prentice: To ask the Secretary of State for Health in what respects public benefit corporations are mutual bodies.

John Hutton: holding answer 7 July 2003
	Public benefit corporations have similar characteristics to mutual bodies. These include being open to public membership; one member, one vote; the ability to appoint and remove chief officers; and a democratic process to agree the future strategy of the organisation.

TREASURY

Birth Rates

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many women under (a) 16 and (b) 20 years have given birth in each of the last 10 years in (i) the UK and (ii) Sefton.

John Healey: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.
	Letter from Len Cook to Ms Curtis-Thomas dated 9 June 2003
	As National Statistician I have been asked to reply to your recent question on the number of women under (a) 16 and (b) 20 years old who gave birth in each of the last 10 years in (i) the UK and (ii) Sefton. (124104)
	The information on the number of maternities is provided in the table below. Maternities are the number of women who had a birth. This differs from the number of live children born as women who had multiple births are only counted once and stillbirths are included.
	
		Number of maternities for women aged under 16 and under 20, 1993–02.
		
			  UK Metropolitan District of Sefton 
			 Year Under 16 Under 20 Under 16 Under 20 
		
		
			 1993 1,565 51,503 6 222 
			 1994 1,540 47,891 10 199 
			 1995 1,713 47,671 5 192 
			 1996 1,845 50,823 6 213 
			 1997 1,820 52,905 8 215 
			 1998 1,742 54,822 9 193 
			 1999 1,681 54,897 6 199 
			 2000 1,675 52,029 9 226 
			 2001 1,606 50,142 3 206 
			 2002(17) 1,508 49,151 4 201 
		
	
	(17) provisional

Golden Shares

Colin Challen: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he expects the Government's review of the European Court of Justice's decision on golden shares to be completed.

Paul Boateng: The Government holds special shares in 25 companies. Each Department responsible for individual special shares is examining the ECJ's judgments carefully, to ensure that its special shares comply with EC law and continue to be in the public interest. The outcome will depend on the detail of each individual special share.

Head Injuries

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people in (a) the UK and (b) Sefton died from a head injury in the past 10 years.

John Healey: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.
	Letter from Len Cook to Mrs. Curtis-Thomas, dated 9 July 2003
	As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your recent question asking how many people in (a) the UK and (b) Sefton died from a head injury in the past 10 years. (124103)
	Figures for England and Wales and Sefton local authority are provided in the following table. Comparable data for the United Kingdom are not available during this period as mortality by specific type of injury is not available for Scotland prior to 1996.
	The figures shown are the numbers of deaths where head injury was assigned as the main injury sustained by the deceased when an accident or violence initiated the train of events leading directly to death.
	
		Number of deaths from head injuries(18) 1993 to 2002(19)
		
			 Calendar year England and Wales Sefton(20) 
		
		
			  
			  
			 1993 2,874 13 
			 1994 2,764 10 
			 1995 2,764 18 
			 1996 2,818 14 
			 1997 2,939 27 
			 1998 2,816 11 
			 1999 2,882 20 
			 2000 3,015 17 
			 2001(21) 1,806 14 
			 2002(21) 1,801 8 
		
	
	(18) Head injuries were defined using the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (1CD-9) codes N800 to N804 and N850 to N854 for the years 1993 to 2000 and, for the years 2001 and 2002, the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (1CD-10) codes S02 and S06.
	(19) Figures are for deaths registered in each calendar year.
	(20) Deaths of usual residents of Sefton local authority.
	(21) The introduction of 1CD-10 for coding cause of death in 2001 means that data for head injuries in this year and 2002 are not comparable with data for earlier years. The interpretation of international coding rules in ICD-10, compared with the rules used in 1CD-9, has led to an apparent decrease of 40 per cent. in the number deaths coded to head injuries. The figures should therefore be interpreted with caution. The effect of the major changes to mortality statistics in ICD-10 compared with 1CD-9 were described in a report published in May 2002.
	(22)
	(23) Office for National Statistics. Results of the ICD-10 bridge coding study, England and Wales, 1999. "Health Statistics Quarterly" 14 (2002), 75–83.

Unemployment

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the unemployment rate was in each year from 1997 to 2003 in (a) England and (b) Sefton.

John Healey: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.
	Letter from Len Cook to Ms Claire Curtis-Thomas, dated 9 July 2003
	As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your recent question about unemployment rates in England and Sefton. (124206)
	The information requested is given in the attached table. These estimates are from the Labour Force Survey (LFS), for the twelve month period ending February each year.
	
		Unemployment rates(24)England and Sefton -- Percentage
		
			 March to February England(25) Sefton(26) 
		
		
			 1997–98 6.6 7.8 
			 1998–99 6.0 7.6 
			 1999–2000 5.7 7.8 
			 2000–01 5.1 6.0 
			 2001–02 4.8 5.0 
			 2002–03 5.0 6.0 
		
	
	(24) Unemployed as a percentage of the economically active population.
	(25) Estimates have been interim-adjusted to reflect the 2001 Census results.
	(26) Estimates have not been adjusted to reflect the 2001 Census results.
	– Date not available.
	Source
	ONS Labour Force Survey

Unemployment

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the unemployment rate was in Merseyside for (a) 2000, (b) 2001, (c) 2002 and (d) 2003 to date.

John Healey: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.
	Letter from Len Cook to Mrs. Curtis-Thomas dated, 9 July 2003
	As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question about unemployment rates in Merseyside. (124202)
	The information requested is given in the attached table. These estimates are from the Labour Force Survey (LFS), for the twelve month period ending February each year.
	
		Unemployment rates1 in Merseyside—March to February
		
			  Per cent. 
		
		
			  
			  
			 2000–01 8.2 
			 2001–02 7.2 
			 2002–03 6.9 
		
	
	(27) Unemployed as a percentage of the economically active population.
	Note:
	These Labour Force Survey (LFS) estimates have not yet been adjusted to take account of the Census 2001 results.
	Source:
	Labour Force Survey (ONS)

Benefit Claimants

Matthew Taylor: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the number of eligible individuals who have failed to apply for the (a) minimum income guarantee and (b) child tax credit in the Truro and St Austell constituency.

Dawn Primarolo: Estimates of the numbers of families eligible for the minimum income guarantee and the Child Tax Credit are not available at constituency level.

Butterfield Report

Norman Lamb: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has received the Butterfield report in respect of the Customs and Excise bonded warehouse prosecutions; when he expects to publish it; and if he will make a statement.

John Healey: I refer the hon. Member to the Written Statement I made to the House on 4 July 2003, Official Report, column 40WS).

Child Tax Credit

Jane Griffiths: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will extend the baby element of the child tax credit to each baby under a year old from a multiple birth; and if he will make a statement.

Dawn Primarolo: The 'baby element' is a higher rate of the family element; an amount paid to recognise the responsibilities taken on by all families with children and which also provides additional support where there is one or more very young child in the family. It is not intended to reflect the number of children in the family, as the individual child elements already do so.

Children's Trust Fund

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the introduction of the Childen's Trust Fund; and when money will be received from the Children's Trust Fund.

Dawn Primarolo: The Child Trust Fund will ensure that all children, regardless of family background will benefit from access to a stock of financial assets when they start their adult lives.
	Child Trust Fund accounts are expected to be available from 2005. Full proposals for the Child Trust Fund will be published later in the summer.

Competitiveness

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the Government have done (a) to improve competition, (b) to promote enterprise, (c) to support science and innovation, (d) to raise UK skills and (e) to encourage investment in the last five years.

John Healey: The Government's approach to raising productivity centres on tackling historic microeconomic weaknesses in five areas that can drive productivity growth: competition, enterprise, science and innovation, skills, and investment.
	It is precisely to address these areas that the Government have:
	Introduced the Enterprise Act 2002 to strengthen competition in the economy, creating a new proactive role for the Office of Fair Trading;
	Reduced corporation tax rates and made major reforms to capital gains tax to enhance the UK as an internationally competitive location for business;
	Introduced the R&D tax credit for small and large firms, as well as provide the largest sustained increase in the Science Budget for more than a decade;
	Launched six new Employer Training Pilots and made improvements to the UK Migration system to make it better address the needs of the economy;
	Made new proposals to promote greater flexibility in the housing market, and to streamline and simplify the planning regime.
	This Government's strategy for raising UK productivity growth was set out in "Productivity in the UK: the evidence and the Government's approach" (November 2000). A progress report was given in "Productivity in the UK: progress towards a productive economy" (March 2001), and "Enterprise and the productivity challenge" (June 2001) set out further steps Government are taking to improve the UK's productivity performance. Further steps were announced in subsequent Budgets.

Competitiveness

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent steps have been taken by the Government to remove obstacles to, and raise the levels of, enterprise and investment in the UK's most disadvantaged areas.

John Healey: The Government's approach to raising levels of enterprise throughout the UK, and specifically in disadvantaged areas, is described in detail in "Enterprise Britain: a modern approach to meeting the enterprise challenge", published alongside the 2002 pre-Budget report, and in the appendix to the recently published "Productivity in the UK 4: the local dimension".
	A range of specific measures are now being focused on approximately 2,000 enterprise areas—the most deprived communities across the UK.
	Specific measures that will help to raise levels of enterprise and investment in these areas include: an exemption from stamp duty for all non-residential property transactions, and for residential property transactions of up to £150,000; the provision of £16 million over two years to fund Enterprise Advisers in around 1,000 secondary schools in deprived areas; community investment tax relief, enabling accredited community development finance institutions to raise new capital for investment in disadvantaged areas; and the £40 million Bridges Community Development Venture Fund, backed by a £20 million Government investment.

DWP Public Service Agreement

Oliver Heald: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he plans to revise the Department for Work and Pensions 2002 Spending Review Public Service Agreement target that 85 per cent. of customers should have their benefit paid into their bank accounts by 2005; and if he will make a statement.

Paul Boateng: There are no plans to revise the Department for Work and Pensions 2002 Spending Review Public Service Agreement target that 85 per cent. of customers should have their benefit paid into their bank accounts by 2005. Performance against this target can be viewed on the Treasury Public Services Performance website (www.treasury.gov.uk/performance).

Economy

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the growth rate of the economy in (a) England and (b) Liverpool was in 2001.

John Healey: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.
	Letter from Len Cook to Mrs Curtis-Thomas dated, 9 July 2003
	As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your recent question on growth rate of (a) England and (b) Liverpool in 2001.
	Growth rates are normally calculated on the basis of data at constant prices. However, regional Gross Value Added (GVA) data are only available on a current price basis, in the absence of regional deflators. The growth rates shown in the table below will therefore include the effects of inflation.
	The latest GVA estimates for the countries of the United Kingdom and the English regions are available up to 1999, and for the sub-regions (NUTS-2 areas) up to 1998. These data form the basis for the growth rates shown in table 1 below.
	Data up to 2001 will be published at NUTS-1 (Country) level in August 2003 and at NUT3 (sub-regional) level in October 2003.
	The data referred to in this answer are available in the House of Commons Library and on the National Statistics website at http://www.statistics.gov.uk/regionalaccounts.
	
		Gross value added, current basic prices, (£ million) -- Year-on-year percentage increase (%)
		
			  1996 1997 1998 1999 
		
		
			 England 6.1 7.1 6.2 3.9 
			 Liverpool 1.4 6.8 4.3 (28)— 
		
	
	(28) not available

Employment

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he has taken to remove barriers to people taking up work in the UK.

John Healey: The Government have implemented a comprehensive strategy to advance its long-term goal of employment opportunity for all, including tackling the range of barriers that can stand in the way of people taking up work.
	Delivered through Jobcentre Plus, the jobseeker's allowance regime provides individuals who are out of work and actively seeking employment with the advice and support they need to find jobs. For those who remain unemployed for longer, the Government's Welfare to Work strategy seeks to equip people with the skills and opportunities they need to compete successfully in the labour market, and this approach includes extending help to groups that may face particular barriers to work. For example, the New Deal for lone parents provides a comprehensive package of support including help with training, education and child care, and the New Deal for partners of benefit claimants will be enhanced from April 2004 to provide the same package of support. Participants in the New Deal for over 50s, who may have been out of the labour market for some time, are eligible for training grants to help update their skills. The New Deal for disabled people provides a national network of innovative job brokers to help disabled people locate and move into secure employment.
	Support has also been extended to local areas with high levels of worklessness where residents may face multiple barriers to work. For example, Employment Zones in 16 areas of England, Scotland and Wales allow jobseekers and their personal advisers to use funds with complete flexibility to overcome individual barriers to work.
	The Government have also reformed the benefits systems to improve work incentives and ensure that individuals are rewarded as they move into, and progress within, employment. The national minimum wage (NMW) provides fair minimum incomes from work, and the working tax credit, introduced in April 2003, is designed to tackle poor work incentives and persistent poverty among working people, providing support on top of the guarantee provided by the NMW.

Entrust

Sue Doughty: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  when the contract for regulating the Landfill Tax Credit scheme was last awarded to Entrust; whether the contract was awarded by (a) tender and (b) open competition; how the contract was advertised; and when the current contract expired;
	(2)  what measures are in place to ensure that the operations of Entrust (a) provide value for money and (b) remain within Entrust 's remit;
	(3)  to whom the directors of Entrust report at annual general meetings of Entrust; and if he will make a statement;
	(4)  to whom the assets of Entrust revert in the event of Entrust ceasing to trade;
	(5)  if he will make a statement on Entrust's obligations to the Government, with specific reference to how (a) the meeting of these obligations is financed and (b) value for money is secured;
	(6)  what guidelines (a) his Department and (b) HM Customs and Excise has issued regarding the appointment of directors to the Board of Directors of Entrust;
	(7)  how many directors of the Board of Entrust have (a) past and (b) current experience of working for landfill operators; and if he will list them;
	(8)  if he will list the directors of Entrust and their occupations.

John Healey: Entrust is a private, not-for-profit company limited by guarantee. It was appointed the regulator of the Landfill Tax Credit Scheme (LTCS) by the previous Government in 1996. It works to Terms of Approval agreed with Customs and Excise and is closely monitored to ensure that it is carrying out its regulatory function in line with these obligations. The current Terms of Approval took effect on 5 October 2001, and are available on the Entrust website at www.Entrust.org.uk
	Part of Customs' stewardship of Entrust is to monitor its expenditure. A survey in 2000/01 established that its administrative costs are in line with similar bodies. Later this year Customs will complete another survey. Under the Terms of Approval the Board of Entrust submits its annual report to the Commissioners of Customs and Excise.
	If Entrust were to cease to trade then the assets of the company would be transferred to a successor body or, where this does not exist, to a body with similar objectives. The company is financed through enrolment fees from approved environmental bodies and through an agreed percentage of qualifying contributions received by these approved bodies (currently 2 per cent.).
	Details on the Directors of Entrust and their experience can be found on their website. Also to be found there are the Terms of Approval which cover the appointment of Directors. It is the policy of the Board of Entrust that any appointment takes place in accordance with the principles laid down by Lord Nolan.

Euro

Doug Naysmith: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the impact on savings incomes of pensioners of the United Kingdom joining the euro.

Dawn Primarolo: As stated in para 5.142 of "UK Membership of the Single Currency: An Assessment of the Five Economic Tests",
	". . . this assessment finds that the achievement of sustainable and durable convergence between the UK and euro area has not been demonstrated. Essentially this means that the UK economy would be more volatile in EMU . . . Pensioners would face greater uncertainty over the real value of their pensions."

European Constitution

Bob Spink: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the implications for his ability to determine (a) direct, indirect and company taxation policy, (b) overall monetary policy and (c) public spending levels of the EU's draft Constitutional Treaty section which passes to the EU the co-ordination of EU economic policies; and if he will make a statement.

Paul Boateng: The draft Constitutional Treaty will form the starting point for the work of an Intergovernmental Conference (IGC). The Treaty produced by the IGC will be agreed unanimously. The Government will not agree to any changes which harm the UK's economic interest. We will preserve the ability of member states to conduct their own tax policy, and we will preserve the ability of member states to conduct their own economic policy, within rules agreed by member states in the Council.

European Constitution

John Bercow: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions he has had with (a) colleagues in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and (b) counterparts in the European Union about the legislative competencies covered by the draft European constitution.

Dawn Primarolo: The Chancellor has regular discussions with colleagues in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and his counterparts in the European Union on a number of issues.

Financial Services Authority

Sue Doughty: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many directors of the Board of the Financial Services Authority have (a) past and (b) current experience of working in the financial services industry; and if he will list them.

Paul Boateng: There are four Executive Directors and five Non-Executive Directors of the FSA Board that have current experience of working in the financial services industry and two Non-Executive Directors that have past experience. These are:
	
		
			  
		
		
			 Current experience  
			 Sir Howard Davies Executive Chairman 
			 Tom de Swann Non-Executive Director 
			 Michael Foot Executive Managing Director 
			 Sir Andrew Large Non-Executive Director 
			 Gillian Nott Non-Executive Director 
			 Christopher Rodigues Non-Executive Director 
			 Carol Sergeant Executive Managing Director 
			 Stephen Thieke Non-Executive Director 
			 John Tiner Executive Managing Director 
			 Past experience  
			 Kyra Hazou Non-Executive Director 
			 Moira Black Non-Executive Director

Financial Services Authority

Matthew Green: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what meetings Treasury ministers have had with the Financial Services Authority in the last year.

Paul Boateng: The Chancellor met the FSA Board on 17 October 2002. In addition Treasury Ministers have held a number of informal meetings with Sir Howard Davies and his managing directors throughout the year.

Financial Services Authority

Matthew Green: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how the Financial Services Authority is accountable to HM Treasury.

Paul Boateng: The FSA is obliged under the terms of the Financial Services and Markets Act (2001) to produce an annual report assessing performance against its statutory objectives and principles of good regulation. It is primarily through this mechanism that the FSA is primarily held accountable to HM Treasury Ministers and Parliament.
	The annual report for 2002–3 was published on Tuesday 17 June 2003 and copies are available in the Libraries of both Houses.

Financial Services Compensation Scheme

Matthew Green: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how the Financial Services Compensation Scheme is funded.

Paul Boateng: The Financial Services Compensation Scheme is funded by levies on the financial services industry. Levies are normally raised once every financial year to cover the projected costs of the Scheme.

Financial Services Compensation Scheme

Matthew Green: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much has been (a) recovered from the liquidators of financial advisers and (b) paid to investors under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme in each year since 1997.

Paul Boateng: With effect from 1 December 2001 the Financial Services Compensation Scheme replaced several separate Compensation Schemes.
	The FSCS confirm that for the period 1 April 1997 to 31 March 2003 the amount recovered by the compensation scheme(s) from third parties (not only liquidators or the firms themselves, but any third party) was in total approximately 12.8 million. The breakdown of the figure is as follows:
	
		
			  £ million 
		
		
			 1997–98 0.399 
			 1998–99 0.609 
			 1999–2000 0.373 
			 2000–01 0.873 
			 2001–02 2.097 
			 2002–03 8.488 
		
	
	The FSCS also tell me that for the period 1 April 1997 to 31 March 2003 the amount of compensation paid to investors was approximately £246 million. The breakdown of the figure is as follows:
	
		
			  £ million 
		
		
			 1997–98 10.8 
			 1998–99 16.7 
			 1999–2000 51 .6 
			 2000–01 58.5 
			 2001–02 45.4 
			 2002–03 63.0

Fiscal and Monetary Policy

Stephen O'Brien: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the record of effectiveness of (a) fiscal and (b) monetary policy in stabilising the UK economy in the last 30 years.

Paul Boateng: The last 30 years saw a history of stop-go in the UK economy. Since the introduction if the new monetary policy framework in 1997 PRIX inflation has fluctuated in the narrow range of 1.5 per cent. to 3.2 per cent. and averaged 2.3 per cent., close to the Government's target. Long-term inflation expectations show that inflation is expected to remain close to the Government's target; and the framework has also dealt successfully with unexpected events.

Impoverished Families

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the Government have done to help support impoverished families with children.

Dawn Primarolo: The Government have a PSA target to reduce by a quarter the number of children living in relative low-income households by 2004–05, as a contribution to its long-term goal to halve child poverty by 2010 and eradicate it by 2020. The latest data show that by 2001–02 the Government were around half way to this target in half the time.
	As a result of personal tax and benefit reforms introduced since 1997, from April 2003, on average, households with children in the poorest fifth of the population will be £2,500 better off a year in real terms compared to 1997. This includes the effect of the child tax credit, introduced in April this year. Combined with child benefit, the child tax credit delivers up to £54.10 a week in support for first child, compared to £27.70 a week in April 1997.

New Deal

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what impact the New Deal programmes have had on (a) helping the long-term unemployed achieve a successful return to work, (b) supporting disadvantaged groups and areas that suffer from low levels of unemployment and (c) ensuring that individuals are rewarded in employment.

John Healey: The New Deal for Young People (NDYP), for 18–24 year olds, and the New Deal for those aged 25 and over (ND25+), provide comprehensive support for young and older long-term jobseekers. These programmes have helped to reduce both long-term and youth long-term unemployment by over three quarters since 1997. Almost 430,000 long-term unemployed 18–24 year olds have found jobs through NDYP, while ND25+ has helped more than 145,000 people back into work. Independent research has confirmed the positive impact of the New Deal, Chapter 4 of Budget 2003 (HC 500) provides further information
	The Government has extended this approach to support groups that experience particular labour market disadvantage. The New Deal for over 50s, introduced nationally in 2000, has assisted nearly 94,000 people into jobs and has helped increase the employment rate of those aged between 50 and state retirement age to 69 per cent. (winter 2002) from 65 per cent. in 1997.
	All lone parents who are not working or working less than 16 hours a week are eligible for a comprehensive package of support through the New Deal for Lone Parents, which has assisted nearly 194,000 lone parents into jobs and helped to increase employment among lone parents from just over 40 per cent. throughout the early 1990s to 54 per cent. (summer 2002). The New Deal for Disabled People has helped nearly 9,000 people into work since its introduction in 2001—the employment rate of people with disabilities stood at 49 per cent. in summer 2002, up from 47 per cent. a year earlier.
	The Government has also taken steps to provide further support for local areas with high levels of worklessness. Action Teams have been introduced in 63 disadvantaged areas of England, Scotland and Wales, focusing resources on the long-term unemployed and economically inactive and using these resources in innovative ways to overcome specific local barriers to work. Employment Zones in 15 areas of England, Scotland and Wales allow long-term unemployed people aged 25 or over and their personal advisers to use funds with complete flexibility to overcome individual barriers to work, and have helped over 28,500 people into work. Budget 2003 announced details of further steps to extend the help provided by Employment Zones more widely and to encourage innovation among providers. In addition, the 2002 Pre-Budget Report announced the Government's intention to pilot a programme of intensive support, including accelerated access onto the New Deal after just three months of unemployment, in 12 neighbourhoods with very high concentrations of worklessness from April 2004.
	The Government's welfare to work policies have been supported by reforms to strengthen work incentives. The National Minimum Wage (NMW) provides fair minimum incomes from work, and will be increased to £4.50 an hour for adult workers aged 22 or over, and £3.80 an hour for workers aged between 18 and 21 or in approved training, from October 2003. The Working Tax Credit, introduced in April 2003, is designed to help tackle poor work incentives and persistent poverty among working people, providing support on top of the guarantee provided by the NMW. The table below demonstrates how the Government's reforms have increased the minimum income that people can expect when moving into work since the introduction of the NMW in April 1999 and the Working Families Tax Credit in October 1999, including through the increases in the NMW in October 2003.
	
		£
		
			  April 1999 October 1999 October 2003 
		
		
			 Family 1 child, full-time work (35 hours) 182 200 241 
			 Family 1 child, part-time work (16 hours) 136 144 184 
			 Single person, no children, 25 or over, full-time work (35 hours) 113 113 158 
			 Couples, no children, 25 or over—full-time work (35 hours) 117 117 187 
		
	
	Note:
	Assumes prevailing rate of National Minimum Wage and that the family is eligible for the Working Families' Tax Credit and, from April 2003, the Working and Child Tax Credits.

Northern Ireland

Nigel Dodds: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much (a) income tax, (b) corporation tax and (c) value added tax was collected in Northern Ireland in the last financial year.

Dawn Primarolo: Information on income tax in Northern Ireland is available on the inland revenue website at www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/stats/income distribution/pi t11 l.htm. No regional or country breakdowns for corporation tax or VAT are available.

Notes and Coins Working Group

Bill Tynan: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he intends to invite representatives of the Northern Irish and Scottish bank note issuing banks to join the Notes and Coins Working Group.

Paul Boateng: The third Outline National Changeover Plan sets out the proposed approach to the management of a cash changeover in the UK, including the establishment of a Cash Changeover Working Group to replace the Notes and Coins Working Group, whose initial preparatory role would have been fulfilled.
	Details of the principal aim of the Cash Changeover Working Group are contained in the third outline National Changeover Plan.

Physical Capital

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps the Government have taken to encourage investment in the stock of physical capital in industry.

John Healey: This Government are committed to encouraging greater levels of investment within UK industry. Investment is a key driver of productivity and is also key to raising competitiveness and long-run living standards.
	Since 1997, the Government have introduced a number of macro- and microeconomic reforms aimed at building stability, boosting productivity and producing an environment conducive for investment for the long term, for example:
	The R and D tax credit for both small and large businesses;
	100 per cent. capital allowances for ICT expenditure and enhanced first-year allowances for all plant and machinery for small and medium-sized businesses;
	Reduced corporation tax rates, including the small business rate of 19 pence, with OECD figures showing that the UK has one of the lowest tax burdens in the EU; and
	Regional Development Agencies set up to promote efficiency, investment and competitiveness.

Pound Coins

Nigel Evans: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the number of illegal pound coins in circulation in (a) 2000, (b) 2001 and (c) 2002.

Paul Boateng: Estimates for each of the years requested are not available. An independent analysis commissioned by the Royal Mint has shown that, of a sample of one pound coins collected in late 2002, just under 1 per cent. were counterfeit. However, there is uncertainty as to the extent to which this sample can be regarded as a reliable indication of all coins in circulation. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the true figure may be lower.

Public Services

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps have been taken to deliver lasting improvements in public service delivery.

Paul Boateng: The 2002 Spending Review committed significant additional resources to the public services, matched with reforms to deliver results.
	SR2002 also set out Public Service Agreements (PSAs) for all main departments and HM Treasury and the Prime Minister's Delivery Unit are now working closely with departments to ensure the delivery of these key public service improvements.

Small Business (Tax Collection)

Archie Norman: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the Treasury's revenue estimates are of Inland Revenue statutory receivables in arrears from businesses between (a) 0–30 days, (b) 30–60 days and (c) 60–90 days in the last tax year for which figures are available.

Dawn Primarolo: The Inland Revenue does not hold the age profile of debts as requested by the right hon. Member.

Tax Credits

Parmjit Dhanda: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many overpayments for new tax credits have been made; and how they will be retrieved by the Inland Revenue from (a) bank accounts and (b) other payment methods.

Dawn Primarolo: Where, during the year, more tax credit has been paid out than was due, the excess is recovered by adjusting payments for the rest of the year.
	Entitlement to tax credits is finally settled at the end of the year. An overpayment identified at that point may be recovered by reducing the award for the following year, by adjusting a PAYE code or by direct payment. The Inland Revenue will issue a code of practice later this year setting out its approach to recovery of overpayments.

UK Mortgages

Mark Prisk: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to influence the lending and borrowing decisions of (a) mortgage lenders and (b) borrowers in order to increase the proportion of mortgages with fixed rates.

Paul Boateng: The Chancellor has asked David Miles, Professor of Finance at Imperial College, to undertake a review of the UK's fixed rate mortgage market to establish why the share of fixed-rate mortgages, particularly long-term fixed rates, is so low compared to the United States and many other EU countries.
	Professor Miles will deliver an interim report by autumn and a comprehensive report and recommendations to the Chancellor by Budget 2004.

Working Tax Credit

Vera Baird: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  how many of those eligible for working tax credit in the Redcar constituency have applied for it;
	(2)  how many claims for working tax credit submitted (a) before and (b) after the deadline are unpaid in the Redcar constituency; and when he expects all claims for working tax credit for the Redcar constituency to be dealt with.

Judy Mallaber: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  how many claims for working tax credit submitted in Amber Valley (a) before and (b) after the deadline are unpaid; and when he expects all claims to be dealt with;
	(2)  how many of those eligible for working tax credit in Amber Valley have applied for it.

Dawn Primarolo: No breakdown of the number of claims received for the child and working tax credits is available below the national level. Statistics on awards of these tax credits will be published from August.
	Claims for tax credits continue to arrive, and are processed as quickly as possible. Claims for which no further information is required, and which pass the various pre award checks, go through the stages of calculating the award quickly and will normally be in payment within a few days.